In an effort to learn more about religious cults, Asma attends the meeting of a religious group well known for their cult-like practices and pretends to be interested in joining the group. Which of the following techniques best describes Asma's approach to gathering research information?

• A. Case study
• B. Survey
• C. Participant observation
• D. Double-blind procedure

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context: Asma is attending a meeting of a religious group to gather information, which implies she is immersing herself in the environment.
2. Identify the research method: Participant observation involves the researcher actively engaging in the environment they are studying, often by becoming part of the group.
3. Differentiate from other methods: A case study involves an in-depth analysis of an individual or group, a survey involves collecting data through questionnaires, and a double-blind procedure is used to prevent bias in experiments.
4. Recognize the characteristics of participant observation: This method allows the researcher to gain insights from within the group, often leading to a deeper understanding of the social dynamics and practices.
5. Conclude that Asma's approach aligns with participant observation, as she is pretending to be interested in joining to observe the group from an insider's perspective.