NON-PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION: CHARACTERISTICS, ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

Non-participant observation is a research technique that consists of collecting information from a totally remote position and without any involvement on the part of the researcher with the event or social group that is intended to be addressed.

Throughout history this method of study has been used in science differences; however, anthropology and sociology are the social sciences in which non-participant observation has been most prominent.

In non-participant observation, the researcher is not involved with the study subjects. Source: pixabay.com

This type of observation differs from participant research in that it requires the researcher to intervene directly in the phenomenon studied and collect information through their active participation, while in the non-participant there is a researcher who observes the situation from outside.

Non-participant observation, also called external observation, can be presented in two ways:

- Direct observation, in which the researcher moves to the field but without intervening in the group studied

- Indirect observation, in which the observer relies on documentary sources such as archives, newspapers or videos.

One of the main advantages that stands out in non-participant observation is that it allows the researcher to have a more objective vision precisely because it is directly disconnected from the phenomenon. Its use is effective for studies of demonstrations or social gatherings.

However, its physical distance from the object of study generates the disadvantage that it cannot be easily used to study social structures or activities that require more direct participation for the collection of useful data in this type of study.

characteristics

It can be direct or indirect

Non-participant observation can be direct or indirect:

- In the direct, the situation is observed in real time without intervening directly with the fact. In this, instruments such as annotation diaries, a chronological record and a control list are used where relevant behaviors or aspects are filed. This type of observation is said to be qualitative.

- In the indirect, the observer analyzes through documentary compilations, films or recordings of any kind and through these he raises his respective hypotheses. Because it is based on statistical data, it is considered a quantitative observation.

Avoid any direct contact

The external observer or non-participant performs the study without interacting with the social group or phenomenon. Depending on the type (direct or indirect), it may have a degree of participation in the terrain where the situation develops, but it is never directly linked.

This form of observation allows the object of study to act naturally, without altering its behavior because it does not know that it is being studied externally.

It is limited to collecting data

Non-participant observation does not seek to interact with the social group or phenomenon, so its activity is limited to observing and collecting information that it considers valuable in the framework of its research. This is contrary to participant observation, which sometimes not only collects data but also influences the phenomenon.

May be scientific or not

The external observation, like the participant, can have a definite object; that is to say, one acts knowing why and for what specific purpose the study is carried out, which implies a scientific observation.

On the other hand, if it is observed without a specific purpose or prior preparation, it is in the presence of an unscientific observation.

Advantage

Greater objectivity

It allows the observer to have a more objective view, which is a strict requirement for a study to be considered scientific. In this context, it is important to consider that there are disciplines more prone to subjectivities, such as sociology.

The observer does not influence

Being an outside observer, there is neutrality. That is, the phenomenon is not influenced in any way. This ensures that the results are more accurate.

Spontaneity

The fact that the observer and the social group studied do not have any link allows the latter to act spontaneously, avoiding the adaptation of unnatural postures or behaviors that can occur when it is known that it is being analyzed.

Disadvantages

Segmented study

As the observer is not involved with the phenomenon, it is said that there cannot be a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon but only a part of it.

Lack of relevant data

In the study of some social groups, only participant observation allows the researcher to obtain decisive data and information to understand certain behaviors or motivations of the members of these groups.

This cannot be achieved with external observation precisely because of its condition as completely alien to the context.

No social group collaboration

Another disadvantage that can be mentioned is that in non-participant observation, the researcher cannot request any collaboration from the social group in the event of a possible doubt.

This may limit the study or leave certain elements of the investigation to the observer's interpretation.

It cannot be extended in time

Being an observation of which the social group does not have full knowledge, it can hardly be a study that is maintained for a long time because it would run the risk that the object of study will notice the research and act accordingly.

This could predispose the social group and, ultimately, the opportunity to carry out the study may be lost.

For some it violates ethical values

Non-participant observation is fundamentally based on the participant's ignorance of the study to which he is being subjected; therefore, you do not control all the information that you may be providing to the researcher. For many people this is considered a violation of ethical values.

Examples

Non-participant observation can be used in cases related to sociology, such as the behavior of a certain social group when faced with the implementation of a government public policy.

A non-participant observation in this context focuses on the behavior that individuals have in relation to said policy and if they feel that it satisfies their demand and needs, or if on the contrary it is inconsequential for the group.

Likewise, an observation of some historical event can be made through documentaries, writings or recordings to know the behavior of a society at a certain historical moment and consider references to address a current situation.

References

1. Díaz, L. "The observation" (2011) in the Faculty of Psychology of the UNAM. Retrieved on July 16, 2019 from the Faculty of Psychology of the UNAM: psicologia.unam.mx
2. Laurier, E. “Participant Observation” (S / A) in Eric Laurier. Retrieved on July 16, 2019 from Eric Laurier: ericlaurier.co.uk
3. Lavin, A. "The observation" (November 27, 2015) in Information gathering. Retrieved on July 16, 2019 from Information Collection: colecciondeinformacion.wordpress.com
4. "What is non-participant observation and what uses does it have?" (March 21, 2018) at the International University of Valencia. Retrieved on July 16, 2019 from the International University of Valencia: universidadviu.com
5. “The observation / The participant observation” at the University of Jaén. Retrieved on July 16, 2019 from the University of Jaén: ujaen.es