Revija za sociologiju, Vol. 13 No. 1-4, 1983.
Izvorni znanstveni članak
Possibilities and Perspectives of Participant’s Observation
Perla Tadej
; Zagreb
Sažetak
Observation is one of the oldest and most universal methods used by almost all sciences. Sociology has taken it from anthropology and has adapted it to its own specific requirements in the research of reality. The concept of observation is usually linked with the concept of participation; the role of a »mere observer« being an ideal category, is impossible in field research.
Observation with participation is further linked with the method of interview, which van be applied individually or in a group. The biggest problem facing the researcher in the field is that he/she must, as far as is possible, forget the wishes and requirements which he/she has outside the job in hand. Individual personality is foremost and the attitude of the observed towards the observer will their attitude towards the research. Successful conducting of research depends much more upon the personality of the field worker and on his »sociological« intuition than on theoretical knowledge of research techniques.
Subjectivity in field work must be accepted as a fact, but at the same time one must attempt to place it under objective control. In addition, subjectivity has, despite a number of drawbacks, some advantages which should be put to use.
Attempts at overcoming subjectivity in sociology have turned into empiricism, i. e. many sociologists come to believe that objective and scientifically proved is only what can be expressed by numbers. But to identify sociology with statistics means to vulgarize sociology as a science.
Ključne riječi
Hrčak ID:
155852
URI
Datum izdavanja:
31.12.1983.
Posjeta: 3.241 *