Santa Clara University

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As with the practice of field notes, what students do when they attend activities—worship service, meeting, meal, vigil, etc.—in the community they are studying is at best an imitation of the kind of observation social scientific researchers do in the field. Still, as they prepare themselves to attend activities they have pre-arranged and/or have been invited to attend, they might think of their approach as that of “participant observation.” For a shorthand definition of what this means, turn to Miller and Seltser in Writing and Research in Religious Studies: “…while you are taking part in some activities of the group you are studying, you are there to observe and understand what is happening.” (48) They go on to identify 6 guidelines for this role in religious studies (43-45):

1. You are a Participant and an Observer, but Not a Member. Your participation in activities is in order to understand the community and what it would be like to be a member.
2. Observe and Ask Questions as an Outsider, Not as an Insider. You try to work from a position of neutrality; while you want to understand what it is like to be in the community, you are not, and you need to be clear about that to yourself and those with whom you interact.
3. Understanding Depends on Imagination. This is the flipside of #2: you are trying to “walk in another’s moccasins” (N. Smart, Worldviews, p. 3), to understand how she/he experiences a community and this requires empathy and imagination.
4. Your Identity as a Researcher Should be Open. This is an extension of the etiquette points made above; while you don’t need to wear a sign or keep introducing yourself as a student researcher, you should be honest and identify yourself as a student at appropriate times—e.g. requesting an interview, taking a photo, etc. At the same time, is appropriate to explain what personal as well as research interests led you to this community.
5. Observe, Observe, Observe. The message here is simple: you have a mind, and you should use it. Listen, pay attention…to what happens, and as much as possible, to how people (including yourself) respond.
6. Remember That, as a Participant Observer, You Have a Right to Be There. As noted above, most communities and organizations will gladly welcome and assist student researchers, and you should take full advantage of the opportunities they present to you. If you encounter problems or concerns expressed by members of the community, respond appropriately (e.g. if someone in authority objects to your presence at a service, leave) but follow up later to ask and understand why, and how you might continue your research with other activities. In some cases, you may find you need to chose another site. To a large extent, these guidelines apply even when a student is researching a congregation or organization to which he/she belongs. Still, since situations like this can raise ethical as well as personal questions, researchers are encouraged to take this up with the leader of their community before starting their project.

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