Question 1

What aspect of research do unobtrusive measures circumvent?

Accepted Answer

Unobtrusive measures are designed to avoid researcher reactivity, which occurs when research participants alter their behavior because they know they are being observed or measured. This can be a major problem in some types of research, particularly when the researcher is studying sensitive topics or behaviors that are difficult to observe directly. By using unobtrusive measures, researchers can gather data without disrupting the normal flow of behavior or creating bias in their measurements. Unobtrusive measures may not address other issues in research, such as ethical concerns or methodological shortcomings, but they are specifically designed to address the problem of researcher reactivity.

Question 2

Dr.Parker is examining which books in a library are the most popular.She is looking at which books show the most wear and tear.This situation is an example of which measure?

Accepted Answer

Physical erosion refers to the natural wear and tear that occurs on objects such as books, and is often used as a measure of popularity or usage. This is the most appropriate choice in this situation. The other options (official documentary records, accretion, archival strategies) do not accurately describe the situation.

Question 3

Using publicly published police records and the accompanying video or audio recordings of the police report to study crimes committed during the day or evening of the published account is an example of which type of unobtrusive method?

Accepted Answer

Using publicly published police records and accompanying video or audio recordings of the police report falls under the category of official documentary records as it involves examining public documents that were created by an official body.

Question 4

The most widely accepted type of private archival material used in research is the

Accepted Answer

The answer of The most widely accepted type of private...

Question 5

An example of a type of measure is an analysis of the possessions that people of wealth display conspicuously to explain the social identities of the leisure class.What type of trace record is this study examining?

Accepted Answer

The study is examining a type of accretion trace record, which refers to the accumulation of physical evidence over time, such as the possessions of people of wealth.

Question 6

Using the court transcripts of the O.J.Simpson trial to create a commentary on the exchanges between the defense and prosecution is an example of

Accepted Answer

Using the court transcripts of the O.J. Simpson trial to create a commentary on the exchanges between the defense and prosecution is an example of archival strategies, as it involves analyzing and interpreting historical records to gain insight into past events. Actuarial records are statistical data used for risk assessment, accretion refers to the gradual accumulation of something, and physical erosion is the natural process of land or material being worn away.

Question 7

Dr.Adler is studying the graffiti on a wall in a part of town.She analyzes the different layers of graffiti to see which gangs have had dominance over time.This situation is an example of a.measures of

Accepted Answer

The term "accretion" refers to the gradual accumulation of layers of material over time. In this case, Dr. Adler is analyzing the layers of graffiti on the wall to determine which gangs have had dominance over time. This process of analyzing successive layers of material is an example of accretion. Options A, C, and D are not applicable in this scenario.

Question 8

Using a blogger's entries as a digital journal of the blog writer's life to study an aspect of the blogger population is an example of using which type of unobtrusive method?

Accepted Answer

Using a blogger's entries as a digital journal to study an aspect of the blogger population falls under archival strategies. This method involves analyzing existing documents or records to gather data without influencing the subject of the study.

Question 9

Studying tombstones to create social comparisons between cemetery structure and social structure is an example of

Accepted Answer

Studying tombstones to understand social structures involves analyzing historical records or documents that are preserved, which falls under archival strategies. This method does not involve the physical alteration or accumulation of materials, hence it is not accretion or physical erosion, and it is not based on official documentary records but rather on physical artifacts and their inscriptions.

Question 10

An underutilized type of private archival material used in research is the

Accepted Answer

While letters, autobiographies, and blogs can provide valuable insights into the personal lives of individuals, diaries are often more candid and unfiltered. Diaries also tend to cover a longer period of time and may include more personal details than a letter or autobiography. Diaries may also provide insight into a writer's thought process, emotions, and daily routines, making them a valuable primary source for historical research.

Question 11

The private archival material that is geared for a dual audience,and must involve a consideration of the social roles and personal relationships of both the writer and the reader,is the

Accepted Answer

Letters are written with the intention of being read by another person, thus considering the social roles and personal relationships of both the writer and the reader.

Question 12

Using the wear down of tiles in a museum to estimate the popularity of certain exhibits is an example of

Accepted Answer

Physical erosion refers to the wear and tear on physical objects, such as tiles, which can indicate the level of foot traffic and, by extension, the popularity of certain exhibits.

Question 13

A type of record in which researchers serve as editors and commentators to eliminate any repetition in descriptions and shorten lengthy discourses.Researchers highlight selected segments and delete other segments.This type of record is called

Accepted Answer

The described type of record is referred to as an edited autobiography, as researchers serve as editors to eliminate repetition and shorten discourses while highlighting selected segments.

Question 14

Dr.Luiz is working on an ethnography.Which type of official documentary record is most likely to use today?

Accepted Answer

As an ethnographer, Dr. Luiz is likely studying human behavior and social interactions. Videotaped records allow for a more comprehensive and accurate representation of these interactions compared to written documents like voting records, police blotters, or newsletters.

Question 15

Which research technique must researchers be sure to employ to corroborate data obtained unobtrusively?

Accepted Answer

Triangulation refers to the use of multiple sources or methods in research to cross-check and verify the findings. This approach can help to increase the credibility and reliability of data obtained through unobtrusive research techniques. Therefore, researchers should employ triangulation to corroborate their data. The science of garbology (A) involves analyzing people's trash to gain insights into their behavior and is not necessarily relevant to all types of research. Covert observations (B) can be unethical or illegal in certain contexts and may not be necessary for gathering unobtrusive data. Coding (D) is a valuable technique for organizing and analyzing data but does not specifically address the need for corroboration of unobtrusive data.

Quiz 8: Unobtrusive Measures in Research