1. Field Research and Unobtrusive Research Colleen Anne Dell, Ph.D. Carleton University, Department of Sociology & Anthropology Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse November 21, 2006 MODES OF OBSERVATION

2. OVERVIEW 1. Selecting a method 2. Field research a. Role of the observer/researcher b. Steps in field research 4. Unobtrusive research a. Content analysis b. Analysis of existing research c. Historical/comparative analysis

3. 1. Selecting a Method

4. 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).

5. 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”

6. 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

7. “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).

8. B. Steps in Field Research 1. Prepare for the field 2. Watch and observe 3. Record observations 4. Qualitative analysis 5. Data analysis 6. Theory

9. “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).

10. 3. Unobtrusive Research

11. A. Content Analysis 1. What is content analysis?

12. 2. Some aspects of content analysis - Sampling - Coding - Manifest and Latent content - Counting and record keeping

17. 3. Strengths and weaknesses

18. 4. Grounded theory

19. 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

20. CONDUCTING CONTENT ANALYSIS Violence Toward Young Women

21. Prairie Women, Violence and Self- Harm – Dell and Fillmore, 2001 Policy Analysis

22. B. Analysis of Existing Statistics

23. C. Historical/Comparative Analysis “Concerned with tracing developments of social forms over time and comparing those developmental processes across cultures”.

24. A779 Loeb Building 520-2600 x 2625 cadell@ccs.carleton.ca