Manfucturing

4. What ethical risks are involved in observation? In the use of unobtrusive measures?

The dependent variable in research must be observed (measured, recorded), and specific procedures must be designed to make those observations. When we do that, we are operationalizing our dependent variables. Operational refers to a variable that has been defined in terms of how it is to be measured. Once we operationally define the variable, then our observations are carried out according to that definition. In naturalistic and case study research, we have less control over variables, and this puts some limitations on the observational procedures.

Participant observation refers to methods where the researcher is part of the situation being studied. The overt activity of the researcher can range from that of an unobtrusive observer in the situation, to an active participant. These participant observation methods are used more in case study research, and they actually increase the possibility of subject reactivity.

There are a number of ethical considerations including informed consent, no harm to participant, anonymity and confidentiality, use of deception, as well as ethics involved in analysis and reporting since true scientific research should be universal and open.

Laws and court rulings that affect the information gained from observations.

1. Right to equal protection under the law. "All citizens should have the same rights and receive the same benefits as all other citizens."

2. Right to due process. The right to protest and be heard before any action is taken.

3. Right to privacy - "An individual's right to choose whether, when and how behaviors, attitudes, beliefs and opinions are to be shared with others

Unobtrusive Observations

Unobtrusive observations are used to reduce the participant's reactivity to the observations. We should keep in mind that reducing reactivity by using unobtrusive observation poses particular ethical issues of invasion of...