Participant observation requires a great deal of skill and commitment from the researcher. The success or failure of the research will hinge on such factors as the ability to fit-in with the people being studied and the ability to communicate with groups members on their level and terms.  It will also, at different times, require tact, clear and careful observation, the ability to separate the role of participant from that of observer and so forth.

In other words, before committing yourself to participant observation you need to be certain you have the time, money, resources and skills required to carry this type of research through...