Ch. 11: Unobtrusive Measures Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are unobtrusive measures?

Measurements that require participant participation

Measurements that participants are aware of

Measurements based on self-reported data

Measurements based on physical traces or data collected without participant knowledge (correct)

What are reactive methods?

Methods where participants know they are being studied and can modify their behavior (correct)

Methods where participants are unaware of being studied

Methods based on existing records

Methods that do not interfere with participants' behavior

What are creative sources in unobtrusive measures?

Physical traces, archives, simple observation, contrived observation.

What are physical traces?

Erosion or accumulation of physical substances that can serve as evidence of activity. Signup and view all the answers

What does archival data refer to?

Written or visual records not produced by the researcher. Signup and view all the answers

Define observation in the context of unobtrusive measures.

Simple observations, such as watching facial expressions. Signup and view all the answers

What is contrived observation?

Observations of situations where the researcher intervened. Signup and view all the answers

What is content analysis?

A research method for systematically analyzing and making inferences from text. Signup and view all the answers

List some non-reactive methods.

Content Analysis, Historical Research, Comparative Analysis. Signup and view all the answers

What are units of content analysis?

Anything from newspapers, speeches, books, films, articles, etc. Signup and view all the answers

List the steps of content analysis.

Theory and rationale, conceptualizations, operationalizations, coding schemes, sampling, training and pilot reliability, coding, final reliability, tabulation and reporting. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by selecting sample units from the population?

Ensuring adequate representation, possibly through stratified sampling. Signup and view all the answers

What does designing coding procedures involve?

Deciding which variables to measure and defining categories for coding. Signup and view all the answers

Manifest content is ___ content that was immediately inferred.

literal Signup and view all the answers

What is reflexivity in research?

The researcher's experience in the field. Signup and view all the answers

What are the strengths and weaknesses of content analysis?

Strengths include systematic analysis and objectivity; weaknesses may involve interpretation biases. Signup and view all the answers

What is case-oriented research?

Research that focuses attention on whole units like nations. Signup and view all the answers

What is holistic research?

Research concerned with the context and interactions of events. Signup and view all the answers

What does historical and comparative research investigate?

It compares social processes across time and populations. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of historical research.

Comparing inequality in recently democratic countries to those with longer democracies. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of comparative research?

Examining how different populations exhibit social behaviors at the same time. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unobtrusive Measures Overview

Unobtrusive measures gather data without the awareness of those generating the data, minimizing the influence of participant reaction.

Reactive Methods

Reactive methods involve participants being aware of the study, which can lead to altered behaviors or responses, impacting data integrity.

Creative Sources of Data

Utilizes various methods including:
- Physical traces of human activity
- Archives containing existing records
- Observational techniques, both simple and contrived

Physical Traces

Include signs of activity such as footprints or wear on surfaces; evidence points to previous actions.

Archives/Archival Data

Comprises pre-existing records not intended for research purposes (e.g., birth and death records, crime statistics).
Potential for inaccuracies and biases inherent in the record-keeping process.

Observation Techniques

Observational research can be unobtrusive and simply involves watching behaviors or actions, such as children in public settings.

Contrived Observation

Researchers intentionally intervene in situations to observe behaviors, such as linguistic field experiments exploring social stratification.

Content Analysis

A systematic method for analyzing textual data to derive inferences.
Involves quantitative assessment of messages across various media, including documents, speeches, and online content.

Non-Reactive Methods

Include:
- Content Analysis
- Historical Research
- Comparative Analysis

Units of Content Analysis

Units can vary widely, covering:
- Newspapers, political speeches, artistic works, and academic articles.

Steps of Content Analysis

Involves a structured approach:
- Establish theory
- Define variables and operationalize measures
- Develop coding schemes
- Employ sampling and training methods
- Execute coding and assess reliability
- Report findings

Selecting Sample Units

Stratified sampling may be necessary to ensure comprehensive representation of the population.
Nonrandom sampling techniques might be employed based on research needs.

Designing Coding Procedures

Requires defining variables and establishing clear coding categories.
Utilizes direct text units, with comprehensive instructions provided for human coders.
Computer programs can be employed to improve reliability of coding.

Manifest and Latent Content

Manifest content refers to the obvious, surface-level elements of a text that can be easily inferred.

Reflexivity in Research

Involves researchers reflecting on their experiences and influences in the research setting to enhance understanding.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Content Analysis

Benefits include the ability to analyze large amounts of data and uncover patterns, while limitations may involve issues of bias in coding and interpretation.

Case-Oriented Research

Focuses on entire units, such as nations or communities, rather than individuals within those units.

Holistic Research

Emphasizes understanding the context of events and the interplay among different processes and occurrences.

Historical and Comparative Research

Explores insights into social processes by juxtaposing various populations or time periods to reveal trends.
Example: Analyzing the relationship between democratic governance and social inequality.

Historical Research Example

Investigates whether newly democratic countries experience reduced inequality compared to older democracies, employing both historical and comparative methodologies.

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Description

Test your understanding of Chapter 11 on unobtrusive measures through these flashcards. Each card offers key terms and definitions that highlight the differences between unobtrusive and reactive methods. Enhance your comprehension of research techniques used in data collection.