Unobtrusive Measures

Unobtrusive Measures

Unobtrusive measures are one of the research methods used by researchers . These measures are used when the researcher wants to get information from the informants without their knowledge that they are giving out the information . This is done in to avoid the bias that occurs when an informant is directly in contact with the researcher . The direct contact usually involves face- to - face interviews or the answering of questionnaires . When people realize that they are being watched or their behavior is being observed they tend to change their behavior

either to confirm the researcher 's views or in defiance of them

When answering the questions posed by the researcher , the respondents tend to think before they answer the questions . This means that the answers given are not really what happens in real life but are a reflection of what the respondent thinks the researcher wants to hear They may also not want to answer some or all of the questions asked and thus either lie about the answer or simply refuse to answer all those questions that they deem to be intrusive on their privacy . The may also not have the time required to fill out questionnaires that are used in surveys . This ends up providing the researcher with information that is not very reliable and neither is it valid

The problems outlined above are the ones that end up making the researcher prefer to use any of the unobtrusive measures . This type of research method does not require the presence of the researcher . They also do not require the use of any form of data gathering that involves the direct and conscious participation of the respondents . There are however some instances that these measures cannot be used . This is because of the nature of the information required and its use . The major problem with the use of the unobtrusive measures is that the researcher has absolutely no control over the type of data collected . This may then end up leading to the collection of a lot of unnecessary data

There are many types of unobtrusive measurements that give the researcher a choice on which one would best suit his or her situation The sort of research and the information that the researcher hopes to gain determines the type to be adapted for use . The most frequently used methods include indirect measures , analysis of secondary data and content analysis . Each type avoids the involvement of respondents in the answering of questions instead they all involve watching or learning about the respondents from afar such that they do not notice that they are being observed and they continue behaving as they normally would without the research taking place (Webb E .G , Campbell D .T , Schwartz R .D Sechrest L 56-102

The problem associated with the use of unobtrusive measures is that they do not go through all the steps required for a research to be ethical . Research ethics demand the respondents have to be informed of their participation...