Understanding of Participant Observation

Abstract This essay discusses participant observation as a method of collecting anthropological data from the tube. This method allows researchers to gather information through observation and interviewing of individuals who are taking the tube as a means of transportation. Strengths of this method include directly observing how people interact in the tube and writing down this observation for future interpretation. This method allows observers to use their five senses to interpret data collected from the tube. Limitation of this method includes possible subjectivity of interpretation of data. Introduction This essay will discuss participant observation as a method of collecting anthropological data from commuters in the tube. The discussion part of this essay will explore the strengths and limitations of this method. Discussion Participant observation is an ethnographic method of qualitative studies that allows researchers to observe the sample population in their natural setting (Murchison, 2010). This allows researchers to observe and describe situations using the different senses of the body (Murchison, 2010). Hence, it is said that participant observation is a written photograph of what is happening in the field (DeWalt and DeWalt, 2011). Polit et al. (2013) explains that a detailed description of an event or people’s experiences allow observers to analyse situations exhaustively. In terms of my study, I chose participant observation since I felt it would help me gather relevant data on what is happening in the London Underground. While this type of observation allows for more in-depth observation of events and people’s actions (Muchison, 2010), participant observation has also some limitations. First, there is a need to immerse one’s self in the world inhabited by participant. Thi s is accomplished by taking the tube as a mode of transportation to experience what others are experiencing when taking this transportation. Part of participant observation is to interview people regarding their experiences. This might be a challenge since participants might not be willing to be interviewed while in the tube. It should be noted that there are many commuters in the tube who do not know each other. This might be a challenge when collecting data since participants might be wary of answering questions from a researcher (Hek et al., 2011). Polit et al. (2013) reiterate that participants might not act naturally since they are aware that the researcher is observing them. This presents some bias in the data since behaviour of the participants might not be reflective of their actual behaviour. Meanwhile, reflexivity in data would allow researchers to interpret data according to the perceptions of the participants. Researchers might also bring a degree of bias and subjectivity when they collect data and information from the participants (Murchison, 2010). The researcher’s own perceptions, feelings and knowledge might be used to interpret actions, conversations and expressions manifested by people riding in the tube. There is the risk that interpretation of data becomes highly subjective. However, this could be avoided if the researcher allows participants to confirm findings and inform the researcher whether interpretation of the interviews is accurate. Hek et al. (2011) emphasise that subjectivity could be prevented by objectively interpreting data. This is done through adopting a nonjudgmental attitude, being open and genuinely interested in what participants are saying (Oermann, 2010). This would lead to data that are more reliable since researchers allow participants to verify the findings. In my experience, I adopted a nonjudgmental attitude to help me empathise with what the partic ipants are saying to me. Placing myself in their situation helped me better understand what they are expressing to me during my collection of data. Parahoo (2006) states that it is important to define phenomena and experiences according to the participant’s perceptions. Reflection I felt that I am part of the community of commuters in the tube since I regularly use this as a mode of transportation. I felt that this is an advantage to me since in-depth analysis of the behaviour of the commuters involves immersing one’s self in the actual environment. Hence, my previous experiences commuting in the tube could help me understand what other people might be experiencing while commuting in the tube. I also realised that different people ride the tube and their diverse background could add to the complexity of analysing the cultural behaviour of commuters in the tube. However, I also realised that the ethnographic method would yield valuable information on the general behaviour of commuters in the tube. Finally, ethnographic method was appropriate for my research question since this helped me form an objective and detailed description of what is happening in the tube. Conclusion Participant observation is an effective tool in collecting anthropological data since this allows researchers to immerse in natural settings. This helps researchers collect more reliable data as participants are observed in actual settings. References: DeWalt, K. & Dewalt, B. (2011) Participant observation: A guide for fieldworkers. Plymouth, United Kingdom: Rowman Altamira. Hek, G., Judd, M. & Moule, P. (2011) Making Sense of Research, 4th ed., London: Sage Publications. Murchison, J. (2010) Ethnography Essentials: Designing, conducting, and presenting your research, London: John Wiley and Sons. Oermann, M.H. (2010) Writing for publication in nursing, 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Lippincott. Parahoo, K. (2006) Nursing Research: Principles, Process and Issues, 2nd ed., London: Palgrave Macmillan. Polit, D., Beck, C.T. and Hungler, B.P. (2013) Essentials of Nursing Research. Methods, Appraisal and Utilization, 8th ed. Philadelphia, Lippincott.

FLORIDA MEDICAID PROGRAM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

FLORIDA MEDICAID PROGRAM - Essay Example However, they do not determine eligibility. There are many organizations like The Social Security Administration which determines eligibility for the disabled and The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) that determines eligibility for children, the elderly, families and people who need institutional care (Agency for Health Care Administration, 2009, p. 9). Because there are several agencies that are responsible for the eligibility requirements, it is difficult to state exactly all of the criteria. However, most of the agencies say that the criteria includes: Florida does many programs for children. One program is the S-CHIP program also referred to as Florida KidCare. According to the state mandates, states can have a program that includes a separate S-CHIP program, a Medicaid expansion program or a combination of both. Florida operates a combination program (National Academy for State Health Policy, n.d.). The program is provided for "targeted" low income children to provide healthcare. In Florida, families must meet the requirement of being 200% of the federal poverty level in order to get services. There are several benefits to having this program. The following services are covered: The goal of the S-CHIP program is to make sure that children who would otherwise not have health care will have it. Florida provides continuous eligibility for a full year and families are sent an application every 30 days; this makes sure that children are covered on a continuous basis and so they will note be dropped from the

Chapter 6 homework Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Chapter 6 homework - Assignment Example Variable lead-time is the part of processing time, which is dependable on the order quantity. Manufacturing lead-time is the summation of preprocessing, processing and post-processing lead-time (ORACLE, â€Å"Oracle Bills of Material Users Guide†). 6.13. If the second machine is setup after the completion of the setup of first machine, then there will be no reduction in manufacturing lead-time. Setup time i.e. preprocessing time is fixed for a machine to work for a scheduled time. The manufacturing lead-time is affected with processing time i.e., move time between operations and post-processing time i.e. run time of the machines (ORACLE, â€Å"Oracle Bills of Material Users Guide†). Actual backlog is the differences between the total and actual planned within the given period. The calculation is done to maintain the output level for each period in order to reduce the lead-time and queue hours. The above report shows a lower level of input and output. The work centers performance can be monitored through the analysis of planned and actual outputs. The lead-time and queue performance are monitored through planned and actual backlog (Arnold 515). Based on the above interpretation, it is estimated that actual backlog at the end of period 5 is 37

How the feminist movement has influenced female artists working with Essay

How the feminist movement has influenced female artists working with technology - Essay Example This paper presents how feminist movement has influenced female artists working with technology. It also presents a brief overview of what feminism used to look like in art, in addition to, the historical sense of the feminist movement in terms of art. Additionally, it presents what the feminist movement looks like today for female artists, especially, for those working with technology, such as, female video game designers, engineers or computer specialists. Finally, this paper presents a conclusion of the findings and analysis of literature on the subject of feminist movements. The main question that comes to the mind of many when the feminist movement is raised is what feminist art stands for. Arts analysts and historical researchers have, ever since, argued over the subject of feminist art. They try to establish whether it was a period in the history of art, a lobby group or a complete makeover of how things should be carried out on the subject of female contributions. According to Motta, Flesher, Eschle and Laurence (2012), a number of researchers have judged feminist movements against surrealism. In this regard, many people consider feminist art not as an art technique, but to a certain extent, a process of creating gender sensitive art or integrate women in art galleries and exhibitions. Feminist art has spurred debate also on the subject of post-modernism. Feminist art entails the creation of value and meaning in art while integrating women in the modern forms of art techniques (Redfern and Aune 7). According to Motta et al. (2012), feminist art also provoked debate on whether the historical western art was a global representation of art regardless of men dominating in most spheres. It is therefore, possible to establish that feminist art entails artists working with the thoughts of gender, personality and outward appearance. Feminist art entails the use of performance art, such as, videos and

Schools and society 601.4.4-10 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Schools and society 601.4.4-10 - Essay Example Show them a Saree from India and a Kimono from Japan. Explain that USA brings out the best in everyone. Ask children if they know where President Kennedy’s family originally came from ? Tell them they came from Ireland and he was the first Irish-American President of the US. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Governor of California and former film actor is an Austrian American. Show picture of â€Å"melting pot† (Villager, 2006) and explain how different cultures have created the uniqueness that is America. Explain that, in a melting pot, cultures blend together to form a smooth and consistent whole – with contribution from each. Then show a picture of â€Å"tossed salad†. A tossed salad is also made of many components and forms a complete whole. Ask students how a tossed salad is different from a melting pot ? Explain that, in a tossed salad, each community is a seamless, well-fitted part of the whole where individual beauty of their own culture is also preserved. Give example of lettuce in the picture which is part of the salad but still distinctively identifiable. Read excerpts of the American adaptation of Korean story â€Å"The Tiger and the Dried Persimmon† by Janie Jaehyun (2002). The folk tale shows the strength of speaking one’s mind and being fearless. Ask students if they liked the Korean folk tale and if they know where Korea is and whether they have any Asian friends. Ask students if they know that many words spoken in English today were originally brought to our culture and English language from different regions of the world ? Give examples of Hurricane (Spanish), Algebra (Arabic), Fajita (Spanish), Bazar (Urdu), Cent (Latin – French, Italian, German). Speak a little about these countries and their citizens who have made their home in the US. Explain to students how cultures bring languages and words together making it easier for us to understand new

Summary Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Summary - Movie Review Example The main problem that gave rise to such a thing was the use of a deputy (by the sheriff investigating the case) to translate what a witness to the crime said. The translator was used because Cortez could not speak in Spanish. The worst part was that the translator himself could not speak Spanish accurately-his inability to distinguish in Spanish between a caballo (horse) and a yegua (mare) leads to the sheriff believing Cortez to be the horse-thief. When the sheriff goes after him with a gun, Cortez rightfully fights back for his life-in the current century, this act of his would be called self-defense. His brother gets shot and killed in this process in the mayhem. Cortez accidentally shoots at the sheriff, killing him. Soon after this occurs, Cortez takes off on horseback and heads for the Mexican border. He is pursued by sheriffs, the renowned Texas Rangers and possess across Texas, all of whom were unable to catch the ‘fugitive’. The longer it takes for them to capture him, the more he is depicted as a hero by the press. Even though he steered cleared of the several traps that his capturers set for him, he eventually turned himself in when he found out that his family had been arrested by the authorities and kept as prisoners. The manhunt lasted for about eleven days. This whole incident results in the devastation of a family and the killing of an innocent man. The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez is an amazing representation by director Robert M. Young of the injustice that Mexican-American workers and citizens in the Southwest suffered at the hands of the Texas Rangers. The director has effectively used the techniques of flashbacks to show the different accounts of what happened. Moreover, it is a bit intriguing to find out the real character of Gregorio Cortez. This is because his role in the story keeps changing from time to time- it all depends on who is telling the story. There is, however, one

Terms good and bad Death Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Terms good and bad Death - Essay Example Green agrees with the classification of good and bad death. He further points out that both types of death are accompanied by varied degrees of grief. So what constitutes a good or bad death? According to Green a good death occurs when one is at peace with himself/herself and has accepted the inevitable occurrence. Think of an old person in a nursing home who has lived his/her life to the fullest and has even written a will. Such a person most probably has children and grand children and has achieved success in this world. The death of such a person can be classified as a good death. The death is predictable and is accompanied by less grief and emotion. Sociologists point out that one of the key characteristics of a â€Å"good death† is that it is predictable. There is also a feeling that death in this case will lessen the pain on the dying and those left behind. Terminal illnesses such as Cancer and AIDS present circumstances where it is felt that death would be a better way out rather than the suffering a patient goes through. It is in these circumstances that doctors recommend euthanasia as a way of ending the suffering of the affected person. In some circumstances, even family members have recommended mercy killing for their loved ones. A case in point was witnessed in California where a man asked doctors to switch off a life machine supporting his wife who had lost consciousness after a tragic accident. To those left behind, this was considered a good death since it had put to an end the suffering of the woman and paved the way for those left behind to move on with the business of life. "Bad death" Young and Cullen (1996) argue that there are some circumstances that result to a bad death both to the affected and those left behind. For instance, the death of a youth in the prime of his/her life is always considered a bad death particularly if it is sudden and unexpected. It takes time for family members to accept the sad situation and the death is accompanied by more emotion and