Problem
In this reading, Duechar and Weide (2019) use a research method called "participant observation." What skills and/or backgrounds did each author bring to the research project, and how do you think each of those affected their ability to connect with research subjects and gatekeepers?
More generally, what do you think are some benefits to doing participant observations in criminology?
What are some potential problems or drawbacks that might occur from doing participant observation in criminology?
Finally, what skills and/or background do YOU have that might be helpful in conducting participant observation research? How would those skills and/or backgrounds facilitate access and connection to a population of interest to criminology generally, or gang research specifically?