In the framework of the most common typologies, the researcher can adopt different roles within the continuum between the sides of an observation-participation binominal. A classification on the possible roles which the participant observer could embody is the one proposed by Junker (1960), one of the most known:
| Role | Complete observer | Observer as a participant | Participant as observer | Complete participant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Definition |
The researcher observes the group without the observed individuals knowing that they are being observed. Hidden researcher. Undercover observation. |
Disclosure of the observation activity. Predominance of the observation. |
Partial concealment regarding the purpose of the investigation. Predominance of the participation
|
The highest level of concealment. "Invisible" researcher. Observer as a member of the community or totally incorporated in it (ethical problems with hiding their activities as a researcher). |
| Level of participation |
Absent participation: non-participation/ estrangement |
Moderate participation: their implication is weak. |
Active participation: adopting roles within the group / student community |
Complete participation; maximum participation |
In a similar vein, we can distinguish the following observation modalities, classified in 3 categories:
| Typologies | Modalities | |
|---|---|---|
|
According to the degree of formalisation |
Systematic observation |
Non-systematic observation |
|
According to the researcher's position |
External or non-participant observation |
Internal or participant observation |
|
According to the degree of explanation |
Open or declared observation |
Undercover observation |
The first typology classifies observations according to the degree of formalisation:
- Systematic or structured observation: it is previously established both the field to be studied (places, subjects and moments) and the specific aspects, activities or behaviours which will be observed and analysed. All of this is captured in an observation script.
- Non-systematic or non-structured observation: it is performed without previously establishing the aspects to be observed (behaviours, groups, places, moments, etc.). It is the observation with the highest level of flexibility and openness to whatever happens, an appropriate method for researching new phenomena with little reference and orientation.
The second one divides observations into two types based on the researcher's position:
- External or non-participant observation: the researcher is limited to observing and recording the information shared in front of them, without interaction nor involvement, in order not to modify the group's usual behaviour. The researcher acts as a passive viewer.
- Internal or participant observation: this is the most well-known and characteristic observation modality, in which the researcher selects a context or a group of people and participates in their way of life and their daily activities to a greater or lesser extent.
Finally, the third typology classifies observations based on whether that person specifies their intentionality:
- Open or declared observation: the researcher shares their real objectives and previously declares their goals to the social group.
- Undercover observation: it basically consists of watching a group of people without them knowing and with the researcher never intervening or influencing their behaviour.
