A type of
research in which a sociologist does not merely observe the activites being studied, but takes an active part in them. The
benefit is the insight one gains by becoming an "
insider"; the
disadvantages include a possible loss of
persepctive on the subject as well as the danger of
physical or
psychological harm.
For example, my sociology professor in college once related the story of a husband and wife team who were conducting a study of prostitution. Their method? She turned tricks, and he was her pimp.