Comments on: I’m just here for the research

By: S.D. Gottlieb

S.D. Gottlieb — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 22:54:50 +0000

I find it strange that you don’t mention anthropologists, since even more than sociologists, they often engage in participant observation. It’s pretty common for anthropologists to immerse themselves in the culture in which they live, and there’s lots of literature about this experience in fieldwork.

By: Gina Perry

Gina Perry — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 10:29:48 +0000

Great post, thanks. It reminded me of the sociologist Laud Humphreys whose work undercover in the gay community was so controversial. I can’t help thinking that while the participant observation style of research is fraught with problems, the pseudo objectivity of lab based psychological research seems contrived and un-lifelike in comparison.
I think a study of researchers who frequent strip clubs is called for!

By: Bumba

Bumba — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:33:32 +0000

Yes, you psychologists can keep your questionnaires. Gimme the strip clubs.

By: amelie

amelie — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 17:32:50 +0000

How would THAT grant proposal look?

I had to pretend I was vaguely religious once because while studying chimney swifts in the Deep South I was invited to a church dinner. They had some great anecdotes about the birds in their chimneys but also one disturbed individual told me about how he shoots the birds (a felony) and some northeasterner chimney builders told me that they remove their nests (also a felony).

So I always wondered does confidentiality rule, or are we obligated to do what we think will protect others?

By: Andy

Andy — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 23:00:48 +0000

It had never occurred to me that social psychologists might surreptitiously work as bouncers and strippers in order to do research. Fascinating stuff! Posts like this is why I have been a devout reader of Mindhacks for the last 5 years or so.