Participant observation

Datos Bibliográficos

ID20049989
AutoresCharles L T Corsby (0000-0002-8639-5618), Robert C Townsend (0000-0001-7343-5329)
Año2024
Páginas189-198
Fecha de publicación2024-11-19
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessNo
TipoCHAPTER
RevistaResearch Methods in Sports Coaching (SOURCE_BOOK)
EditorialRoutledge (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.4324/9781003381891-24
OpenAlexW4404526984
ISBN9781003381891
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas5

As a method, observation has its roots in a particular branch of anthropology – that of ethnology – and, at its core, involves the immersion of the researcher in a social setting. In turn, observation involves the ‘systematic recording’ of cultural and human behaviour, inclusive of activities, rituals, and relationships. This makes observation well-suited to produce detailed context-specific accounts of coaching practice that move beyond overly reductionist descriptions. The use of observation as a method has evolved over time to become compatible with a range of theoretical, ontological, and epistemological positions. Although traditionally positioned as separate from the conditions and practices under study, observation is neither neutral nor culturally-free and depends on the participation and involvement of the researcher. This chapter addresses the possibilities of observation as a method for exploring sports coaching contexts. Our aim is to provide readers with some points of entry for employing participant observation, including some paradigmatic, theoretical, and reflexive considerations

Participant observation · Sociology · Anthropology · Education, sociology, and vocational training · Psychology