The document discusses unobtrusive designs for data collection. Unobtrusive designs are easy to use as the data has already been collected and can be electronically captured and transferred. However, the accuracy of the data may be questionable since it was collected by someone else. Additionally, participant consent for use of the data may be an issue if they did not consent or if consent was not fully voluntary. When using unobtrusive designs, researchers must know the source of the data well, including how it is coded, entered, organized and managed. Developing a good relationship with the database manager is also important. Researchers must also follow strict ethics around confidentiality and privacy since participant consent may be unclear or questionable.

1. #12 Unobtrusive Designs and Data Collection

2. Location In The Research Process Formulating Research Questions Previous Research Craft Knowledge Appropriate Design Appropriate Sampling Decisions Ensure Research Ethics Data Collection & Management Data Analysis Interpretation Dissemination Ongoing Research

3. Unobtrusive Designs Pro Easy - Already been collected Ethics Issues - Don't need to directly contact participants Convenient - Can be captured and transferred electronically

4. Unobtrusive Designs Con Already been collected - by somebody else so measurement accuracy (reliability and validity) may be questionable Ethics Issues - Did the participants actually consent for you to see their data? Was their consent fully voluntary? Inconvenient - Gaining access can be problematic

5. Unobtrusive Designs Caveats Know your source - know how the data is coded, entered, organized, and managed! Personal touch - you must have a good relationship with the database manager! Ethics - since informed consent may (or may not) be questionable you must follow the spirit (more than minimum care) of confidentiality and privacy to the maximum!

6. stop here for 2 nd Midterm School of Social Work Undergraduate Curriculum Committee School of Social Work Undergraduate Curriculum Committee