Participant observation is a type of research strategy. It is a widely used methodology in many disciplines like: cultural anthropology, sociology, communication studies, and social psychology, etc.

1. Tools to collect data

2. PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION
• Participant observation is a type of research strategy. It is a
widely used methodology in many disciplines like: cultural
anthropology, sociology, communication studies, and social
psychology, etc.
• It´s purpose is to gain a close and intimate familiarity whit a
given group of individuals, such as a religious, occupational, or
a particular community.

3. Participant Observation Strengths
Become
understanding of
participant´s
perspectives on
what they believe
and do.
It helps us that
the data used in
our project being
true.
The other areas
observed can be
better
understood.
It helps to
understand the
environment that
you want to
study.
Failing to
understand what
is observed is the
environment and
relationships.
Time-
consuming
The observed
cannot be put
into practice for
its own
improvement.
It take discipline
to understand
what is observed.
Weaknesses

4. In depth interviews
1ª Provide in depth responses and detailed
data.
2ª Permit the interviewer to focus an
interviewee´s behavior including and body
language.
3ª In depth interviews offer the opportunity to
obtain rich, describe data about people think and
behave.
An in depth interview is a loosely structured interview. It allows
freedom for both the interviewer and the interviewee to explore
additional points and change direction, if necessary.
Strengths

5. WEAKNESSES
Many ethical issues to be consider.
In-depth interviews are quite time consuming.
If the interviewer is not highly skilled and experienced,
the entire process can be undermined.

6. Focus group
• Is a number of people who are asked to come together in
order to discuss a certain for the purpose of research.
• There are two researchers; a moderator who leads the
discussion by asking open-ended questions and a note-
taker who takes detailed notes.

7. Strengths
Can receive a wide range of responses during one
meeting.
Participants can ask questions of each other.
Help participants to overcome reserves, especially if they
do not know other people in the group.
Weaknesses
Not everyone may contribute.
Some participants may be uncomfortable in group setting.
Difficult to extract individual views during the analysis.