1. Chapter 11 Unobtrusive Research Content analysis Analyzing existing statistics Historical/comparative analysis

2. Three Types of Unobtrusive Research Content analysis - examine written documents such as newspaper editorials. Analyses of existing statistics. Historical/comparative analysis - main resources for observation and analysis are historical records.

3. Strengths of Content Analysis Economy of time and money. It's simple to repeat a portion of the study if necessary. Permits you to study processes occurring over a long time. Researcher seldom has any effect on the subject being studied. Reliability.

4. Weaknesses of Content Analysis Limited to the examination of recorded communications. Problems of validity are likely.

5. Analyzing Existing Statistics Existing statistics can be the main source of date or a supplemental source of data. Problems with validity - Often existing data doesn't cover the exact question. Reliability is dependent on the quality of the statistics.

6. Historical/comparative Analysis Cautions: Can't trust the accuracy of records - official or unofficial, primary or secondary. Must be wary of bias in data sources.