Abstract
Participant observation, a form of qualitative research, has been employed in a variety of contemporary studies. Jones and Yarbrough used participant observation to examine the meanings-in-context of touching reported by persons from their daily interactions. Similarly, Owen used participant observation to study teacher classroom management communication. Philipsen used participant observation to find how groups view speaking as an effective means of social influence. These and other studies demonstrate a methodology which deserves further examination- including its effect on the researchers who use it.
I believe researchers who undertake participant observation studies are likely to experience an altered self-concept as a result of their field experiences. The degree of alteration correlates with the degree of personal involvement, but is difficult to assess because it is only rarely reported.
Journal Title
Iowa Journal of Speech Communication
Volume
20
Issue
2
First Page
19
Last Page
25
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Schnell, James A.
(1988)
"The Personal Effects of Participant Observation on the Participant Observer,"
Iowa Journal of Communication: Vol. 20:
No.
2, Article 6.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/ijc/vol20/iss2/6
Copyright
©1988 Iowa Communication Association
