Observing practice as participant observation - linking theory to practice

This paper links participant observation as a research method to the assessment of student social workers' practice through observation. In order to provide students with opportunities to demonstrate their competence to the best of their ability without diminishing the quality of their service to users, the observer must be able to function at different points along the continuum between participation and observation. The styles recommended for this purpose are: ” the quiet participant in energetic groups; ” the interested observer in quiet activities; and ” the respectfully distant observer of conversations. Comparisons between this research method and the practice of observation highlight the marginalisation of service users. Key issues include: ” fully informed consent; ” conditions for intervention by the observer; ” respondent validation; and ” ownership of assessment reports. Micro- and macro-level strategies to remedy these issues are considered. The distinction between collaboration and partnership is considered. Examining the position of service users as participants in research highlights a hierarchical web of power relations in observation. Whilst this can be addressed in individual practice, such practice can only be fruitful in a culture that truly values service users as partners in social work education.