What type of observation occurs when a researcher joins a group to study it?

Participant observation is a qualitative research method where the researcher actively engages in the daily life of the group being studied. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of the group’s dynamics, behaviors, and social interactions because the researcher becomes part of the environment. By joining the group, the researcher can gather insights that may not be accessible through other methods, such as interviews or surveys, as they are able to experience situations firsthand and observe subtleties in behavior and context.

In contrast, other methods mentioned focus on different aspects of research. For instance, focus groups involve gathering a small group of individuals to discuss their perceptions or experiences, without the researcher actively participating in the conversations as a member. Blind observation is a method where the researcher does not reveal their presence to the group, thus preventing any influence on the behavior of the subjects. Quantitative observation typically deals with measuring and analyzing numerical data, which differs fundamentally from the immersive and narrative nature of participant observation.