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Maximizing Theoretical Contributions of Participant Observation While Managing Challenges
Sherry Dahlke1, Wendy Hall2, Alison Phinney2
1University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada sherry.dahlke@ualberta.ca.
Qualitative Health Research
|March 27, 2015
Summary
Participant observation (PO) offers valuable insights for theory development in research. However, ethical considerations, particularly informed consent with vulnerable populations, require careful attention to ensure robust findings.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Nursing Research
- Qualitative Methodology
Background:
- Participant observation (PO) is a key data collection method across various research designs.
- PO provides crucial understanding of participant behaviors and contextual influences, vital for theory development.
- Grounded theory studies particularly benefit from PO's ability to inform theoretical frameworks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the theoretical contributions of participant observation (PO).
- To examine the challenges associated with using PO, focusing on informed consent.
- To illustrate these points using a mid-range theory on nursing practice with older adults.
Main Methods:
- Utilized participant observation (PO) as a primary data collection method.
- Employed a case exemplar of a mid-range theory development in nursing practice.
- Focused on analyzing challenges related to informed consent in dynamic healthcare settings.
Main Results:
- PO significantly contributes to category development and theory building.
- Challenges arise in obtaining informed consent when observing vulnerable patients and diverse healthcare professionals.
- Maintaining voluntary consent requires careful reflexivity and specific actions in complex environments.
Conclusions:
- Participant observation is a powerful tool for advancing nursing theory, especially concerning older adults.
- Ethical vigilance, particularly regarding informed consent, is paramount when conducting PO in sensitive contexts.
- Reflexivity and proactive measures are essential to uphold ethical standards and maximize the benefits of PO.
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