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Methodology of Social Research

notes 2. Non-participant observer sees the incidents with his point of view, hence their originality
gets destroyed.
3. Certain subjects are such, whose information can be attained only through participant
observation. there this method is unsuitable to all intents and purposes.
4. in non-participant observation sometimes it is not possible to study the event that happens
all of a sudden.
5. People of the group look at the non-participant observer with suspicion and start behaving
artificially before him.
6. In this only superficial knowledge is gained about the problem, not wide and deep.

19.7 Distinction between Participant and Non-participant Observation

1. On the Basis of Participation: in participant observation, researcher by becoming an integral
part of the community or group participates in all their activities, whereas in non-participant
observation he studies like a neutral and silent onlooker.
2. Difference in Depth: in participant observation deep, minute study of incidents is possible
and secret information can also be compiled, whereas, it is not possible in non-participant
observation.
3. On the Basis of the Behaviour of the Group: in participant observation people of the group
consider the observer as their member only, hence behave naturally before him; whereas
in non-participant observation observer is considered to be an outsider and stranger before
whom artificial behaviour is demonstrated.
4. On the Basis of Verifiability: in participant observation, researcher gets many opportunities
to verify the credibility of events, whereas in non-participant observation opportunities for
verification of events are limited.
5. On the Basis of Time and Money: As compared to non-participant observation, more time
and money is spent in participant observation.
6. On the Basis of Objectivity: in comparison to participant observation non-participant
observation is more scientific and objective and in that the possibility of partiality by a
person is less.
7. On the Basis of Instruments of Study: in participant observation, observer cannot make use
of observation card while in non-participant observation, observer makes use of scheduled
observation cards etc.
8. On the Basis of Skill: researchers of participant observation should be more skilled and
trained whereas in non-participant observation, study is possible on the basis of general
experience and skill only.

self assessment

fill in the blanks:
1. observer does not mix and mingle with any ________ of the community.
2. in non-participant observation, people of the group look at _________ with suspicion and
start behaving artificially before him.
3. in __________, people of the group consider the observer to be their member only.

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