QRMSS Ch. 8 Unobtrusive Measures in Research

Chapter 8 deals with unobtrusive measures in research. This is referring to “data collection that demonstrates information can be culled from various traces and records that are created or left by humans (whether it is intended or inadvertent) (Berg & Lune, 2012, p.282). In these instances, we as researchers are not dealing with people at all. If we have to ask questions of the data with someone it’s connected to, then it’s no longer unobtrusive.

There are various ways to obtain unobtrusive data. Archival data is a great source we can refer to. This can be both public and private data. Examples include ancestry or genealogy records, birth and death records, census records, etc. Physical erosion can serve as data. Simply observing the “wearing away” of something can tell you a lot. An example used in class was hiking trails. Years of foot traffic can allude to what paths are walked the most. Accretion measures represent deposits over time (Berg & Lune, 2012, p.298). An example of accretion would be graffiti walls, that over time, humans keep spraying or “tagging” over. This too can tell a story! With public archives, or running records, you can observe evolution. Also, these are large quantities of data, at no cost, that will never change, they will always be consistent. We can use commercial and social media accounts. Exploring people’s opinions through political cartoons can be an option.

Actuarial records which include above mentioned birth and death records, demographics, and financial information can sometimes present a challenge to obtain, but are made available under certain circumstances. Other problems presented may include use of aggregate statistical data, where data could be missing. Another case to watch out for would be with use of say political cartoons, where in these cases, whomever published it may have an editorial bias.

Autobiographies serve as unobtrusive data. Diaries, journals and home movies can give a look into people’s lives. Even browsing someone’s movie collection could give a peek into the life of whomever you are studying. The important thing here is to recognize the patterns in your research.

I think the important things to remember while using this method of research is to be aware of bias and missing data. This method can be used along with other strategies to help obtain more details or information while conducting your research

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