What are the ethical issues that a researcher faces in making use of participant observation as a method of collecting data? Explain.

Section: B.
Sociology Paper 2023 Analysis.
Relevant for Paper-1 :Unit 3 Research methods and analysis

Question- 6 (C): What are the ethical issues that a researcher faces in making use of participant observation as a method of collecting data? Explain. (20 Marks)

Introduction: Briefly explain participant observation as a method of data collection Main Body: Explain ethical concerns like consent , privacy and confidentiality, deception, emotional and physical harm, nativization , cultural sensitivity, power dynamics etc. , along with case studies Conclusion: On the lines of participant observation as an useful tool if ethical considerations are taken into account

Introduction Participant observation is a research method used in social science research where the researcher immerses themselves in a community or group to observe and participate in their activities. Participant observation was method popularised by anthropologists Bronislaw Malinowski in his work “Argonauts of the Western Pacific”. It has now widely used  by sociologists also. For example In India, M.N. Srinivas had used this method in studying the process of ‘sanskritisation’ in Mysore while Andre Beteille had used it to study social inequality in rural areas (Tanjore village) on the basis of class, status and power. Main body: Ethical concerns during participant observation Informed Consent: One of the main ethical issues is obtaining informed consent from the participants. Since the researcher is blending into the community, it might not always be possible to inform all the participants about the research, its objectives, and their role in it. This could lead to a breach of trust and invasion of privacy. For example, a researcher studying gang culture might not be able to disclose their identity due to safety concerns. Privacy and Confidentiality: Participant observation often involves observing intimate and private aspects of people’s lives. It may be difficult to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of the participants. For instance, a researcher studying domestic routines might witness private family disputes. Deception:In some cases, the researcher might need to conceal their identity or the purpose of their research to gain access to the community or group. This deception can be ethically problematic as it violates the principle of honesty in research. Emotional and Physical Harm:The researcher may witness or participate in activities that could cause emotional or physical harm to the participants. Nigel Fielding argues that participant observation involves particular ethical issues about the possible harm when studying vulnerable groups. However there is also always a tradeoff between possible harm and the value of the knowledge produced.  For example, a researcher studying drug users might witness drug abuse or violence. Exploitation: There is a risk of exploitation in participant observation. The researcher might benefit from the research, but the participants may not receive any direct benefits. This can be seen as a form of exploitation. Cultural Sensitivity: The researcher must be sensitive to the cultural norms and practices of the group being studied. There is a risk of misinterpreting or misrepresenting the culture, which can lead to harm and disrespect. Power Dynamics: The researcher’s presence can alter the power dynamics within the group. The researcher might be seen as an authority figure, which could influence the participants’ behaviour and responses. Sometimes to get the access to place and social settings researchers have to adhere to existing power dynamics. For instance Beteille opted to identify himself with the resident Brahmins of the village where he carried out his field research in Tamil Nadu. He had access to their homes and temples. When his Harijan informants came to visit him, the Brahmin neighbours and also his host objected and Beteille then changed the mode of his contact with them. Researcher’s Bias: The researcher’s personal biases and preconceptions can influence the observation and interpretation of the data. This can lead to inaccurate conclusions and misrepresentation of the group. Cicourel admitted that his participant observation study relied heavily upon his own observational skills  the particular interpretative skills. Issue of going native: The danger of becoming too immersed in the subject group, known as “going native” in anthropological spheres, poses a risk to maintaining objectivity. Conclusion In the realm of socio-cultural research, participant observation delves deep but grapples with ethical nuances. In today’s research landscape, with a surge in decolonizing methodologies and prioritizing indigenous voices, sociologists must vigilantly self-reflect to ensure ethical research practices. In the evolving context of societies like India, entangled in tradition and modernity, the ethical dilemmas inherent in participant observation intensify, demanding perpetual ethical introspection from researchers.

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