Collecting data III: Unobtrusive methods – observation and content analysis

This chapter introduces two forms of unobtrusive method – observation and content analysis – and discusses some of the advantages and disadvantages of using unobtrusive methods in research. The chapter then outlines the procedure by which each of the methods described can be carried out, including a discussion of some of the common errors that occur when undertaking such methods. The chapter then outlines the various sources of data that may be used for a content analysis.