title: Maximizing Theoretical Contributions of Participant Observation While Managing Challenges.
abstract: Participant observation (PO) is an important method of data collection used in a variety of research methodologies. PO can inform theory development by providing understanding of participants' behaviors and the contexts that influence their behaviors. Because theory development is important in grounded theory studies, we emphasize theoretical contributions of PO while interrogating the challenges of using PO, in particular, attending to informed consent. We use the exemplar of a mid-range theory about nursing practice with hospitalized older adults to highlight contributions of PO to category development. While acknowledging theoretical contributions, we explore challenges entailed in observations where consenting participants interact with vulnerable patients and a changing cast of health care professionals in dynamic contexts. Reflexivity about interactions with vulnerable individuals, as well as other actions to avoid compromising voluntary consent, enhances contributions of PO.
authors: University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada sherry.dahlke@ualberta.ca.
authors: Sherry
authors: S
authors: Dahlke
authors: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
authors: Wendy
authors: W
authors: Hall
authors: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
authors: Alison
authors: A
authors: Phinney
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods*; D066296:Grounded Theory; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research / Q000379:methods*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012107:Research Design
keywords: grounded theory; participant observation; symbolic interaction; vulnerable populations