The Unobtrusive Researcher: A guide to methods

What does graffiti reveal about social behaviour?

Where can you find out about Australian social values without doing your own survey?

There is more to social research than surveys and in-depth interviews. The Unobtrusive Researcher looks beyond the limited accounts people provide of themselves to examine society at a deeper level.

Written in a clear, easy to read style, The Unobtrusive Researcher is a practical guide to a range of methods that can supplement and, at times, even replace conventional social research. It is essential reading for new and experienced researchers in the Social Sciences, Education, Communication Studies and Cultural Studies.

Methods discussed include:

library and archival work

audiovisual sources

observation techniques

material culture

the use of cameras and computers

‘Witty, clear and concise.a remarkable overview of the field.’ - Professor Bryan Turner, Deakin University

‘One of the few guides to research methods which takes on board the implications of poststructuralist theory for research, The Unobtrusive Researcher will be useful both for practising researchers wanting to broaden and update their approaches, and those at the very beginning of learning how to do research.’ - Professor Ann Curthoys, University of Technology, Sydney