Why is Phenomenism Important?

In cultural anthropology and ethnographic research, observations can be classified on a continuous scale from non-participatory, where the researcher simply observes the unfolding events, to complete participation, where the researcher is completely integrated into the events. There is open debate as to the most valid method of participation in ethnographic study: some argue that simple observers haven’t experienced the full effects of their topic, while others argue that full integration destroys the participant’s objectivity[1].