Unobtrusive methods of data collection Flashcards
Materials based methods
historical (archival)/comparative
content analysis
combined with other methods
Unobtrusive observation
look for what people naturally do
infer from what you see
non reactive
typically use indirect methods
Examples of unobtrusive observation
Ethnicity and crime: map out Chinese, Korean and Latino
commercial districts of the city based on number of store signs per block
look for signs of vandalism in those areas
Gender relationships
examine family portraits and note posses and positions
Examples of things you can see
what gets thrown away (look in trash)
radio stations in cars
people in public
cars on the road or in parking lots
signs/graffiti
Materials based methods of data collection
Materials to use:
records
news media
cultural artifacts (art, media, literature)
physical materials
Maps
reports/expert analysis
