Download - Unobtrusive research methods
ACS 301
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ACS 301October 23, 2008
Qual Methods IV: Unobtrusive Methods
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Key themes
• Types of unobtrusive methods– Content analysis
• Quantitative• Qualitative
– Conversation analysis– Semiotics– Hermeneutics– Discourse analysis
• The drawbacks
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What is “unobtrusive”?
I’d like to analyze this conversation. It just so happens to be on television!
I’d like to analyze this conversation. It just so happens to be on television!
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What is “unobtrusive”?
I’d like to analyze this conversation. It just so happens to be on television!
I’d like to analyze this conversation. It just so happens to be on television!
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Unobtrusive: adjective. 1. Not obtrusive. Not blatant, aggressive or arresting. 2. Inconspicuous
Source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary. 2008.
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Why use unobtrusive methods?
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Why use unobtrusive methods?
• Access• Unique opportunity
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Physical traces of people
The Garbage Project at the University of Arizona examines what people throw away (and what they don’t).
The Garbage Project at the University of Arizona examines what people throw away (and what they don’t).
QuickTime™ and a decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
Dr. William Rathje, Project Director
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Content analysis
Analyzing “content” in:
Analyzing “content” in:
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An example of content analysis
Are some crimes given more prominent placement in the
newspaper than others?
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Quantitative content analysis
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Qualitative content analysis
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Semiotics
Signifier
Signifier
“allow other cars”
Signified
“allow other cars”
Signified SignSign
+ =
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Hermeneutics Part I: analyze the content
The film
The film
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Hermeneutics Part II: analyze social, historical context
The state of the film industry
The state of the film industry
The people who make
films
The people who make
films
Current ideas of the
time
Current ideas of the
time
The film
The film
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Conversation analysis
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1 C Can I just briefly ask why: you thought about having
2 an HIV test done:
3 P. hh. We:ll I mean it’s something that you have these
4 I mean that you have to think about these
1 C Can I just briefly ask why: you thought about having
2 an HIV test done:
3 P. hh. We:ll I mean it’s something that you have these
4 I mean that you have to think about these
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Discourse analysis
“Discourse”:
“Discourse”:
AnalysisAnalysis
Understanding what
“the problem” is
Understanding what
“the problem” is
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The drawbacks to unobtrusive