Download Chapter 11 - CLAS Users

Chapter 11
Unobtrusive Research
Chapter Outline
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Introduction
Content Analysis
Analyzing Existing Statistics
Comparative and Historical Research
Unobtrusive Research
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Methods of studying social behavior
without affecting it.
Types of Unobtrusive Research
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Content analysis - examine written
documents such as editorials.
Analyses of existing statistics.
Historical/comparative analysis - historical
records.
Content Analysis
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Study of recorded human
communications.
Strengths of Content
Analysis
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Economy of time and money.
Easy to repeat a portion of the study if
necessary.
Permits study of processes over time.
Researcher seldom has any effect on the
subject being studied.
Reliability.
Weaknesses of Content
Analysis
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Limited to the examination of recorded
communications.
Problems of validity are likely.
A Few Possible Units of
Analysis for Content Analysis
Example of Recording Sheet
for TV Violence
Sample Tally Sheet (Partial)
Coding
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Process of transforming raw data into a
standardized form.
Content
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Manifest content - The visible, surface
content.
Latent content - The underlying meaning
of the content.
Comparative and Historical
Research
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Involves the use of historical methods by
sociologists, political scientists and other
social scientists.
Analyzing Existing Statistics
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Can be the main source of data or a
supplemental source of data.
Often existing data doesn't cover the
exact question.
Reliability is dependent on the quality of
the statistics.
Comparative and Historical
Analysis
Cautions:
§ Can't trust the accuracy of records official or unofficial, primary or secondary.
§ Must be wary of bias in data sources.
Question
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Which of the following occurs when you
obtain a copy of someone else’s data
and undertake your own statistical
analysis?
A. using quasi official statistics
B. using official statistics
C. secondary analysis
D. none of these choices
Answer: C
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Secondary analysis occurs when you
obtain a copy of someone else’s data and
undertake your own statistical analysis.
Some Positive and Negative
Aspects of Bureaucracy