participant observation

n. A research methodology that involves direct participation of the researcher within the context of the investigation. The goal of participant observation is to obtain detailed, intimate information about an environment, group, event, or experience. Through intensive involvement in the natural environment, the researcher is able to gain an in-depth perspective of phenomena or experiences that may not be easily observed by external evaluation. Generally, the researcher's role and purpose in the study are not obvious to others involved in the situation (so that others do not change their behavior as a function of the study). For example, a researcher interested in studying the psychological consequences of being homeless may immerse himself/herself in the context and spend time living as a homeless person and observing the other homeless individuals in their environment. As with other unobtrusive observation research methods, there are concerns about the ethical implications of this approach. – BJM