Using secondary data is considered an unobtrusive or ________ research method.

 Options:

a. Non-reactive b. non-participatory c. non-restrictive d. non-confrontive

The Correct Answer Is:

• a. Non-reactive

Using secondary data is considered a non-reactive research method, making option (a) the correct answer. Non-reactive research, also known as unobtrusive research, involves studying subjects without directly interacting with them.

When researchers employ secondary data, they are not actively engaging with the subjects or changing their behavior, thus making it a non-reactive method. To better understand why this is the right choice, let’s delve into the concept of non-reactive research and then examine why the other options are not accurate.

Non-reactive research, often referred to as unobtrusive research, is a method of data collection in which researchers do not directly interact with the subjects they are studying. Instead, they gather data from existing sources, such as documents, records, or previously collected data.

Using secondary data is a prime example of non-reactive research because researchers are analyzing information that has been generated for other purposes, such as government reports, surveys, or academic studies. This approach is non-reactive because it does not involve direct contact with individuals, and the data collected remains unaltered by the researcher’s presence.

Now, let’s explore why the other options (b, c, and d) are not correct descriptions for using secondary data as a non-reactive research method:

b. Non-participatory:

Non-participatory research typically refers to studies in which researchers do not actively engage with the subjects or participate in their activities. While using secondary data does not involve direct participation, the term “non-participatory” does not adequately capture the essence of unobtrusive research

. Non-reactive research goes beyond non-participation by emphasizing the non-interference and non-alteration of the data source. Therefore, option (b) does not accurately describe the research method of using secondary data.

c. Non-restrictive:

The term “non-restrictive” does not accurately reflect the essence of unobtrusive or non-reactive research. Unobtrusive research focuses on the idea that researchers do not disrupt or alter the subjects or data they are studying.

While it is non-restrictive in the sense that researchers are not imposing restrictions on the subjects, it doesn’t adequately describe the primary characteristic of non-reactive research, which is the absence of direct interaction or interference with the subjects or data source. Hence, option (c) is not the correct choice.

d. Non-confrontive:

Non-confrontive research relates to methods that do not involve confrontations or conflicts with the subjects being studied. Using secondary data can indeed be non-confrontive in the sense that it doesn’t create confrontations with individuals. However, this term does not fully encapsulate the essence of unobtrusive research, which emphasizes the non-interference, non-alteration, and non-reaction to the subjects or data source.

Non-reactive research is about observing and collecting data in a way that does not disturb or confront the subjects, making it a more precise description. Therefore, option (d) is not the most accurate choice.

In summary, using secondary data as a research method is considered non-reactive, or unobtrusive, because it involves studying data without directly interacting with the subjects. This approach is essential in various fields, including social sciences, where researchers aim to analyze and draw conclusions from existing information while minimizing any influence on the data source.

Non-reactive research is a valuable tool for conducting research while respecting the privacy and autonomy of individuals and organizations. It allows researchers to gather valuable insights and draw conclusions without altering the data or disrupting the subjects under study.

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