and social interactions. The inverse to being a complete observer is the complete
participant. This strategy may be useful in a covert investigation where it has been
agreed that the identity of the researcher and the purpose for being there would
best serve the purpose by being concealed. More commonly, however, qualitative
researchers find middle ground and enter a setting to collect data as a participant
observer. In this role the researcher engages in the regular activities of the community
to a degree, then periodically withdraws from the setting to check perceptions,
record field notes and analyze data. After a period of reflection and perhaps
recasting certain issues, the researcher re-enters the setting to validate findings and
gather new evidence.