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Participant Observation (Sociology)
A research strategy whereby an observer studies an individual or group of individuals to become familiar with their customs and practices. The observer is involved with the observed individual(s) in their natural habitat. Partici pant observation entails direct participation by the observer in the lives of the observed individual(s). One of the main benefits of participant observation relates to the fact that the observer has direct access to the research information. The main caveat associated with partici pant observation is the bias created by the knowledge of being observed. Social desirability may alter the routine behaviors and attitudes of the individual(s) being observed.