The DNP researcher is collecting data related to hand hygiene practices among staff nurses in an emergency department setting. During the data collection process, the DNP researcher unobtrusively observes participants and does not interact with them. Which form of participant observation is the DNP researcher demonstrating?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The five categories of participant observation include external, passive, balanced, active, and total. During passive participation, the researcher is a spectator; although present with the subjects at the scene, the researcher does not attempt to interact with the subjects or participate in the scene. During balanced participation, the researcher alternates between being a participant and a spectator; the researcher is not a full participant in all of the research subject's activities. Active participation occurs when the researcher generally does what the majority of participants in the research setting are doing. External participation represents the lowest degree of involvement by the researcher, with the observation usually done via television or videotape. Total participation, which is the highest level of involvement for the researcher, means the researcher becomes a natural participant; this form of observation generally is used when the researcher chooses to study something in which the researcher already functions as a natural participant.

The DNP Researcher Is Collecting Data Related to Hand Hygiene