Participant observation is one method that is used by feminist media research. "Quite simply, Observation involves the noting and recording of some phenomenon by an observer" Hawkins, p.57. Usually participant observation is carried out where the study of media organizations is concerned and only occasionally in audience studies. According to the Van Zoonen article, participant observation "requires firsthand involvement in the phenomenon chosen for study which can range from merely observing on the site without taking part in the activities to full participation acting as a member of the community or setting concerned" L.Van Zoonen, p.136. There are also disadvantages associated with women using participant observation methods to gather research. For example, some of the problems women have to deal with are, "sexual harassment, physical danger and gender stereotyping" L.Van Zoonen, p.136. Therefore, women have to decide on their own whether to continue using participant observation as a method for the benefit of the research, even though there are many risks involved.

*Several classmates conducted some research, which discusses some examples of participant observation. The research conducted deals with Brown's work on soap operas.

 

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