ERIC Number: ED278934
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1986
Pages: 14
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Nonreactive Measures in Student Affairs Research.
Abler, Rose M.; Sedlacek, William E.
Questionnaire and interview methods are described as reactive because when these methods are used, the participant's reactions to the research process may influene his or her responses. Nonreactive methodology refers to unobtrusive methods of collecting data in which participant reaction to the process of data collection does not interfere with the response. Nonreactive methods of data collection have been used in other fields, and the student affairs professional can improve research techniques and implement a multi-method assessment strategy by incorporating nonreactive methods into current research programs. In the past, student affairs researchers have employed nonreactive methodology in examining the success of an assertiveness training program (McFall and Marston, 1970), police bias in monitoring traffic violations (Heussenstamm, 1971), and a noncognitive predictor of student success (Sedlacek et al., 1984). Attempts have been made to create a classification system of nonreactive methodology. Webb et al. used the categories of physical traces, archives, and observation to describe various types of nonreactive data. Sechrest and Phillips proposed a matrix as a step toward a taxonomy of nonreactive methodology. By taking steps to employ nonreactive techniques, student affairs professionals may find this methodology a useful addition to their work. (NB)
Publication Type: Opinion Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Maryland Univ., College Park. Counseling Center.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A