Researchers who seek evidence of what people actually do, as opposed to what they say they do (as in survey and interview research), might wish to consider using unobtrusive methods. … Another benefit of unobtrusive research is that
it can be relatively low-cost compared to some of the other methods we
‘ve discussed.
Why are unobtrusive measures preferred?
Unobtrusive measurement presumably
reduces the biases that result from the intrusion of the researcher or measurement instrument
. However, unobtrusive measures reduce the degree the researcher has control over the type of data collected. For some constructs there may simply not be any available unobtrusive measures.
Why is unobtrusive research important?
Unobtrusive research is
cost effective and allows for easier correction of mistakes than
other methods of data collection do.
What is form of research that uses unobtrusive method?
Content analysis
A type of unobtrusive research that involves the study of human communications. is a type of unobtrusive research that involves the study of human communications. Another way to think of content analysis is as a way of studying texts and their meaning.
What is unobtrusive method explain in brief?
An unobtrusive method is
one in which the data collection and analysis does not impinge on the subjects of the study
. explanatory context. Unobtrusive methods involve indirect data collection. The researcher makes no direct contact with the subject of study.
What is an example of unobtrusive measures?
unobtrusive measures Techniques for collecting data without the knowledge of respondents. Two types—the covert and the indirect—may be identified. The former include, for example,
covert participant observation
, undisclosed notetaking, or use of one-way mirrors.
What are the major types of unobtrusive methods?
described four categories of data that might provide unobtrusive measures:
physical traces, archives, simple observation, and contrived observation
. We begin this chapter with a variety of examples of these more “creative” methods, mainly to suggest how broad these possibilities are.
What is a weakness of unobtrusive research?
Weaknesses of unobtrusive research include
potential problems with validity, limitations in data availability
, and difficulty in accounting for social context.
Is unobtrusive research qualitative or quantitative?
Unobtrusive research refers to data collection methods that do not interfere with the subjects under study because the methods are not obtrusive.
Both qualitative and quantitative researchers
use unobtrusive research methods.
What are the three types of unobtrusive research?
Three main sources of unobtrusive data can be distinguished:
traces, documentary records, and direct nonparticipative observation
. Each of these is discussed with examples of their use, as is the increasing use of unobtrusive data acquired online.
What are the major differences between obtrusive and unobtrusive methods?
Social scientists distinguish between obtrusive and unobtrusive measurement. In obtrusive or reactive measurement,
research subjects are aware that they are being studied
. In unobtrusive measurement, the subjects are not aware.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using unobtrusive measures to gather information?
While there are many benefits to unobtrusive research, this method also comes with a unique set of drawbacks. Because unobtrusive researchers
analyze data that may have been created or gathered for purposes entirely different from the researcher’s aim
, problems of validity sometimes arise in such projects.
What is field research also known as?
Field research, field studies,
or fieldwork
is the collection of raw data outside a laboratory, library, or workplace setting.
Which method of sampling do we use in qualitative research?
Qualitative researchers can also use
snowball sampling techniques
to identify study participants. In snowball sampling, a researcher identifies one or two people they would like to include in their study but then relies on those initial participants to help identify additional study participants.
Are interviews unobtrusive?
Unobtrusive
measures are contrasted with interviews and questionnaires, in that they try to find indirect ways to obtain the necessary data. The unobtrusive approach often seeks unusual data sources, such as garbage, graffiti and obituaries, as well as more conventional ones such as published statistics.
What is obtrusive data collection?
In obtrusive data collection,
the subjects are aware of the fact that they are being studied, which can influence their response or behaviour
. Examples of obtrusive data collection methods are questionnaires or interviews.
