Introduction:
This assignment is divided into two parts. Part one will examine the general methodological reasons behind why a social science researcher might opt to using unobtrusive measures in their research work. Part two will critically discuss the application of such an approach to an interest group.
Part one:
Unobtrusive measures arise when a researcher observes something that shows a variable of interest. The critical thing about unobtrusive measures is that, those being studied are not mindful of the fact, that they are part of a research plan. However, they leave behind natural evidence of their social actions and behaviours. The research observers, and gathers information from the evidence, without interrupting those being studied
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These observations were carried out during day and night time. Researchers distinguished whether the drivers were female or male; whether the vehicles came to a complete stop or no stop and whether other traffic was present throughout the research. Unobtrusive or non-reactive measures are varied; therefore, researchers are inventing ways to measure social behaviours. For instance, some are either erosion measures or accretion measures. Erosion measures, suggested that researchers examine certain things, for instance, children toys bought at the same time in a day care center. Evidence indicated, that worn out toys imply greater interest by the children. Whereby, accretion measures for instance, suggested that researchers examine the brands of beverage cans found in recycling bins of both male and female residences. These findings revealed the different types of brands favored by each sex (Neuman, …show more content…
Although, individuals should react by adopting a more healthy approach in their lives, this is not always the case, individuals often persevere with their unhealthy behaviours (Sherman and Cohen, 2006) and (Van Koningsbruggen et al, 2009) maintained that many people downplay the urgency of the health risks, therefore, such defensive processing may prevent individuals from protecting their personal health. According to Steele (1988) a self-affirmation theory suggested that individuals are driven to protect a global sense of self-integrity, thereby, lowering the need to respond defensively to the specific risk. However, there is little evidence regarding the cognitive processes that self-affirmation bring about (Sherman and Cohen, 2006). Therefore, this study provides a test of the consequence of self-affirmation on individual’s unspoken responsiveness to intimidating health information by using an implicit, unobtrusive measure of information approachability that provides a better understanding into the cognitive processes brought about by self-affirmation (Van Koningsbruggen et al, 2009).
What is self-affirmation and responses to health data?
Self-affirmation can spread awareness and acceptance of threatening or intimidating health messages that promotes changes regarding health risk such as alcohol consumption and smoking
Using two theoretical approaches to social research namely, Positivism and Standpoint theory, I have demonstrated implicit connections in their respective assumptions. The ontological, epistemological and methodical assumptions are all integral facets of the understanding of social research. Once these are understood one can then draw conclusions as to which type or types of methods are appropriate to use.
A of his current state of health and lifestyle behaviours (Harris, Nutbeam, Wise, 2004). For example, the model explores 6 behavioural stages; pre-contemplation, contemplation, determination, action, maintenance and termination. These stages focus on the individual’s experience, behavioural changes and processes as opposed to an event which has determined a behaviour change. Evidently, the transtheoretical model determines that Mr. A is at the pre-contemplation stage (Prochaska & Velicer, 1997). Due to Mr. A experiencing this stage, he is not planning change to his current lifestyle choices. Although Mr. A is not planning changes in the foreseeable future, the transtheoretical model in conjunction with an education campaign can inform Mr. A about different behavioural stages that he may experience. However, understanding this behaviour change model of health cannot determine why Mr. A’s his current lifestyle and behaviour (Prochaska & Velicer, 1997). Fortunately, inclusion of maslow’s hierarchy of needs psychology theory (Donovan, Egger, Spark, 2005) used in conjunction with the transtheoretical model of health, can identify barriers that are stopping Mr A from actively using information from health education campaigns to change his behaviour (Harris, Nutbeam, Wise,
The Health Belief Model (HBM) comes from the psychological and behavioral theorists. The premise is that there are two parts involved in health related behavior. “People are more inclined to engage in a health behavior when they think doing so can reduce a threat that is likely and would have severe consequences if it occurred.” (Brewer & Rimer, 2008, p. 152). The patient believes that a specific health action will prevent or cure the illness. How the individual responds depends on the perceived benefits and barriers of that health behavior.
Aim of this paper is to examine and present the application of social cognition models in the prediction and alternation of health behavior. Social cognition models are used in health practices in order to prevent illness or even improve the health state of the individuals in interest, and protect their possibly current healthy state. This essay is an evaluation of the social cognition models when used to health behaviors. Unfortunately it is impossible to discuss extensively all the models and for this reason we will analyze three of the most representative cognitive models to present an integrated idea of their application.
The key concept of the health belief model includes threat perception (perceived threat), behavioral evaluation, self-efficacy and other variables. The threat perception has very great relevance in health-related behaviors. This perception are measured by perceived susceptibility (the beliefs about the likelihood of contacting a disease) and perceived severity (the feeling about the seriousness of contacting an illness and leaving it untreated). The behavioral evaluation is assessed by the levels of perceived benefits (the positive effects to be expected), perceived barriers (potential negative aspects of a health behavior), and cues to action (the strategies to activated one’s readiness). The self-efficacy key concept was not originally included in of the health belief model, and it was just added in 1998 to look at a person’s belief in his/her ability to take action in order to make a health related change. The other variables that are also the key concepts of the model include diverse demography, sociopsychology, education, and structure. These factors are variable from one to another and indirectly influence an individual’s health-related behavior because the factors influence the perception...
By using observation method, a wide variety of behavior can be recorded. Picking through the garbage on the side of the road can reveal behaviors of fast-food customers, or sitting for only one hour in the university canteen can understand the gender differences in choosing (diet) meal, or even watching the customer’s behavior from deciding which yogurt to be taken off its store shelves in the supermarket can also answer the question: Are the customers be attracted by its appearance or flavor or price or brand or nutrition? The aim of this observation assignment is to evaluate and explain the different types of interactions between individual and groups present, as well as the environment in which these interactions take place. The field observation was conducted at the Vietnamese fast-food restaurant named “We love Banhmi” in Budapest, and the role adopted, was that of observer as a non-participant. Group structures as well as overall activity, patterns of behavior, and the duration and timing of such behaviors and interactions were observed and recorded. Sociological concepts pertaining to age, gender, and appearance were also noted and applied.
The articles, published after 1996, contain varied methods of research attainment, but share similarities such as being a self-survey, having a small sample size, and being
Cognitive change and motivation applies to my life in how I interact with friends and family making their own lifestyle choices. Making sure people I know are aware why they’re making changes and of the benefits that come from changes will definitely help them in the long run. Explaining exactly why attitudes about self-efficacy and normative beliefs, such as in the Theory of Planned Behavior model, provide a clear way to illustrate the importance of cognition in lifestyle change.
Behavior is an important keyword when discussing health promotion theories because lifestyle modification requires a change in beliefs and attitude. Many health promotion theories explain how behavior can enhance or deter a patients progress in health related activities. Nola Pender, a nursing theorist and educator, has developed the Health Promotion Model (HPM). The three main parts of the HPM ar...
The Concept of Self-Efficacy Self-efficacy, for the purpose of this study, may be defined as a person’s optimistic self-belief. This is the belief that a person can develop the skills to perform new or difficult tasks to cope with changes in health and functioning. When a person perceives self-efficacy, it will facilitate goal-setting, effort, investment, persistence, overcoming obstacles and recovery from disappointments and failures. It can be regarded as a positive outlook or proactive way to handle stress factors. It is the ability to successfully cope with health changes, and implies an internal and stable acceptance of changes and ability to successfully adapt to those changes.
To steal a quote from the 1994 film Forrest Gump directed by Robert Zemeckis, “Life is like a box of Chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.” This is a deep statement put in the simplest of terms. We as people are all different and come in many forms. Some of those forms would be what some people have labeled as handicap. Handicap is considered anything to be physically or mentally disabling.
The Advantages and Limitations of Social Surveys in Sociological Research To survey something, is to carry out a systematic overview so that a researcher can produce a comprehensive general report on it. Survey method is often used by positivist sociologists seeking to test their hypotheses, and to investigate causes and examine variables. As with every other sociological research, survey has its own advantages and limitations. Positivist research, which is in the scientific tradition, begins with a hypothesis that can be either confirmed or rejected according to the data collected. One of the significant advantages of survey method is that, it can be used to collect data that is a representative of a larger population.
Primary source data collection relies on structured interviews and questionnaires, which many argue do not offer enough fluidity to relate to everyday lives and therefore are not valid research tools (Bryman 2001, p.77). Critics also continue to associate positivism and quantitative methods failing to see that quantitative researchers do not apply the scientific method to all data and can account for influencing variables (Bryman 2001, p.77; Matthews and Ross 2010, p.29). Quantitative methods in the social sciences were highlighted by the positivist epistemology during the mid 20th century; however, Jones (2010) explains how the principles of positivist epistemology are not fully consistent with modern quantitative methods in the social sciences (Matthews and Ross 2010, p.27). Positivist research parallels that of the natural sciences, where data collection and hypothesis testing is conducted from information that can be observed and recorded by the senses (Matthews and Ross 2010, p.27). Because information can only be observed, positivists look for regularities and explain causation when one event regularly follows another, which is why many will criticize quantitative methods if they associate them with the positivist approach to research (Jones
Research is part and parcel of today's life, especially from an academic and professional perspective. Social research can be ideally defined as a practical activity targeted towards answering research questions by the use of research strategies including conducting a research design involving data collection and analysis and development of appropriate conclusions. Social research is an appropriate method of collecting information and presenting need for a particular argument. According to Walliman, (2006), the concept of social research therefore requires proper understanding in regards to the strategy utilized, the design employed, as well as the method used in conducting a particular study so as to ensure that the outcome is as valid and
For instance, Mileti and Peek (2002) found that when people are given clear information about risk, they can comprehend and remember the message and that self-efficacy, i.e. knowing they have the ability to do something about it, regarding preparedness, promotes more action (Mileti and Peek, 2002, p. 128). It is also widely accepted that people will seek out additional information about a threat, especially from th...