Anthropology is the study of cultural diversity and what makes us human. In order to reach conclusions, anthropologists must do research. There are two types of anthropological research: examination of existing studies and theories and personal interest. Ethnographic research is a unique aspect of anthropology that aims to answer questions by doing field research. Discreet and participatory are the two types of observations and this essay will examine later. Alfred Shultz (1971) describes participant observation as a balancing act to make the strange strange and the familiar. This essay will aim to explain what participant observation is and to demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of this method. Then, compare the fieldwork experience of Els Van Dongens and Laura Bohannan and their different approaches and outcomes when becoming a participant observer. Participant observation is a technique used by anthropologists to collect data about the people they are researching. Researchers learn about the lives of the people they are interested in through direct experience in their daily lives. According to Gold (1958) there are four positions an anthropologist can take when using participant observation as a means of collecting data. These four positions are: the full participant; participant as observer; observer as participant; and complete observer. Depending on the angle the anthropologist wants to take with his research, it can fall into one of these four categories. A complete participant can be seen as becoming too attached and thus forgetting all objectivity and becoming the very thing he or she came to observe. It can also go wrong once people observe... in the middle of the paper... Speare shows us that many things can be interpreted differently and that each person has their own vision of things based on their own life, cultures and environments. Participant observation is a crucial part in ethnographic research, as it allows the researcher to really dig deep and understand social and cultural norms. It is a great way to get data and has many advantages along with some disadvantages. After carefully explaining this method, I can come to the conclusion that despite its disadvantages, it is a great way to collect data. However, it should not be the only way if the researcher intends to reach a valid and complete conclusion. Having compared two different participant observation positions it is clear that there is no one better than another, each position has its strengths and weaknesses and greatly improves field research in anthropology.