Observation in Poverty Research Observation as a Critical Methodology

Caseworkers and clients often have varying interpretations of key events including, for example, how program eligibility guidelines were explained, how assessments were performed, why sanctions were imposed, and reasons for case closures. Both caseworker and client reports can be subject to errors in recall, and biased towards providing socially desirable answers to sensitive questions. Caseworker responses to questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups may be affected by their desire to demonstrate both fair and consistent treatment of clients and a mastery of program policies. Similarly, client responses may be affected by their desire to present themselves as responsible, compliant, and cooperative to researchers.