Unobtrusive Research Methods: Observation & Content Analysis in Social Science

What are unobtrusive methods in research?

Methods where the researcher does not interact with the subjects or environment under investigation.

What two main unobtrusive methods are introduced in Chapter 10?

Observation and content analysis.

What is one advantage of unobtrusive methods related to behaviour?

They may be stronger in measuring actual behaviour, which is not always the same as reported behaviour.

How do unobtrusive methods affect the social environment being studied?

They do not disturb the social environment as much as other methods.

Why are participants less likely to alter their behaviour when unobtrusive methods are used?

Because the methods are unobtrusive, participants are less likely to react to them.

What is one advantage of unobtrusive methods related to data access?

Access to certain types of data may often be easier.

What is a key disadvantage of unobtrusive methods related to understanding the phenomenon?

It may be difficult to understand or explain the phenomenon under investigation.

How can unobtrusive data still be distorted?

Data collected by unobtrusive measures can be distorted, especially if subjects become aware of the research.

What practical problem can arise when using unobtrusive methods like observation?

Data collection may be difficult without specialist photographic or video recording equipment.

What is non-participant observation?

Observation in which the researcher watches the phenomenon from outside with no engagement in the activity or with the subjects.

What is participant observation?

Observation in which the researcher takes a full part in the phenomenon being studied.

When is observation an appropriate method?

When the phenomenon can be directly and accurately observed or when other methods are inappropriate.

Why might observation be useful for contentious issues like cheating or violence in sport?

Because such behaviours can be directly observed when people may not report them accurately.

How can observation be used to triangulate other methods?

It can provide additional evidence to support or challenge findings from other data collection methods.

What is one advantage of observation related to timing?

It allows the researcher to record a phenomenon as and when it happens.

Why is the natural setting important in observational methods?

It allows the researcher to observe behaviour in the context in which it naturally occurs.

How can observation reveal behaviours that subjects might not report?

It can identify behaviours not apparent to the subject or that the subject is unwilling to disclose.

What is one disadvantage of observational methods related to interpretation?

The researcher may misunderstand the phenomenon being observed.

What recording problem can occur in observational studies?

Difficulties in accurately recording data as it happens.

How can the observer affect the subjects in an observational study?

The presence of an observer may influence how subjects behave.

What is the first step in carrying out an observational study?

Defining the variable or variables under investigation.

After defining variables, what must the researcher decide next in an observational study?

They must decide on the sample or participants.

What should a researcher decide about variables before collecting observational data?

How the variables are to be recorded.

Why is piloting an observational study important?

To test and refine the procedures before the main data collection.

What four qualities should good field notes have?

They should be descriptive, detailed, reflective, and analytical.

What should descriptive field notes include?

The setting, participants, relevant actions and behaviours, and any other relevant features.

What is meant by 'analytical' field notes?

Field notes that include initial thoughts about the data, its meaning, and possible interpretations.

What is content analysis?

The analysis of the content of communications using systematic procedures to describe the content of a text.

What kinds of material can be analysed using content analysis?

Written, audio, or visual texts such as TV programs, newspapers, internet sites, social media, sports autobiographies, or radio broadcasts.

How are observation and content analysis similar as unobtrusive methods?

Both allow data to be collected without the researcher directly interacting with participants.

What is the main purpose of observation in unobtrusive research?

To collect data on subjects' behaviour in their natural environment.

What is the main purpose of content analysis in unobtrusive research?

To collect and interpret data from texts and media content.