Methodological challenges of participant-observation.
Gathering/interpreting/documenting persuasive evidence
Advance decisions about your presence at/within the scene
Degree of presence: observer/skeptic/participant/activist?
Visibility of presence: confidential/full disclosure?
Length of presence: one-time/short term/repeat visits
Timing of data collection: immediate/later
What kind of data? detailed description, mapping, chronology,
commentary, imaging, recording, others
Suggestion:Begin as novice/observer
What’s going on here? Purpose of group/gathering/event
Who are the actors?
How is the scene set up?
How/why do interactions occur?
Which events are significant?
How to categorize/record those events?
Challenges to avoid
Disturbing the scene
‘Going Native’
Mind reading: Assuming more than you know
Overly selective observation: be open to the unexpected.