Corsby, CLTTownsend, Robert C.2025-04-102025-04-102025Corsby, C. L. T., & Townsend, R. C. (2025). Participant observation. In Research methods in sports coaching ( ed., pp. 189-198). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003381891-249781003381891https://hdl.handle.net/10289/17321As a method, observation has its roots in a particular branch of anthropology - that of ethnology - and, at its core, involves the immersion of the researcher in a social setting. In turn, observation involves the ‘systematic recording’ of cultural and human behaviour, inclusive of activities, rituals, and relationships. This makes observation well-suited to produce detailed context-specific accounts of coaching practice that move beyond overly reductionist descriptions. The use of observation as a method has evolved over time to become compatible with a range of theoretical, ontological, and epistemological positions. Although traditionally positioned as separate from the conditions and practices under study, observation is neither neutral nor culturally-free and depends on the participation and involvement of the researcher. This chapter addresses the possibilities of observation as a method for exploring sports coaching contexts. Our aim is to provide readers with some points of entry for employing participant observation, including some paradigmatic, theoretical, and reflexive considerations.enThis is an accepted version of a chapter published in the book Research Methods in Sports Coaching. © 2025 Routledge.Chapter in Book10.4324/9781003381891-244410 Sociology44 Human Society