Field Research and Unobtrusive Research

Colleen Anne Dell, Ph.D.Carleton University, Department of Sociology & AnthropologyCanadian Centre on Substance Abuse

November 21, 2006 MODES OF OBSERVATION

OVERVIEW

1. Selecting a method2. Field research

a. Role of the observer/researcherb. Steps in field research

4. Unobtrusive research a. Content analysis b. Analysis of existing research c. Historical/comparative analysis

1. Selecting a Method

The selection of a method is a CRITICAL ASPECT of researching and is usually based on what kind of information is sought (in-depth, historical, statistics), from whom (individuals, magazines) and under what circumstances (in person, content analysis)”  (Kirby and McKenna 1989:63).

2. Field research

Babbie & Benaquisto, 2001 “Is about making observations and trying to understand them” “Observe subtle communications and other events that might not be anticipated or measured otherwise”.

Kirby & McKenna, 1989 “Direct observation and participation by the researcher is thought to provide meaning for the behaviours and attitudes expressed by individuals being researched” 

A. Role of the Observer/Researcher

3 WAYS RESEARCHER BECOMES INVOLVED IN THE RESEARCH

1. Researcher as PARTICIPANT  2. Researcher as OBSERVER

(a) Non-invasive (b) Non-colonial

3. Researcher as PARTICIPANT-OBSERVER

“Different situations require different roles for the researcher. In making your decision, however, you must be guided by both methodological and ethical considerations. Because these often conflict, your decision will frequently be difficult, and you may find some times that your role limits your study” (Babbie and Benaquisto, 2001).

B. Steps in Field Research

1. Prepare for the field2. Watch and observe3. Record observations4. Qualitative analysis5. Data analysis6. Theory

“The formulation of theoretical propositions, the observation of empirical events, and the evaluation of theory are typically all part of the same ongoing process” (Babbie and Benaquisto, 2001).

3. Unobtrusive Research

A. Content Analysis

1. What is content analysis?

2. Some aspects of content analysis

- Sampling

- Coding - Manifest and Latent content

- Counting and record keeping

                                        

              

                                        

              

                                        

              

                                       

               

3. Strengths and weaknesses

4. Grounded theory

GENERATION OF GROUNDED THEORY

1. The collection of research data 2. The coding of data 3. The identification of categories 4. The identification of core variables 5. The generation of theoretical memos 6. The generation of substantive theory

CONDUCTING CONTENT ANALYSIS

Violence Toward Young Women

Prairie Women, Violence and Self-Harm – Dell and Fillmore, 2001

Policy Analysis

B. Analysis of Existing Statistics

C. Historical/Comparative Analysis

“Concerned with tracing developments of social forms over time and comparing those developmental processes across cultures”.

A779 Loeb Building520-2600 x 2625cadell@ccs.carleton.ca