Unobtrusive Research

Unobtrusive measures are taken in order to conduct research without the participants knowing that they are being observed. Unobtrusive research goes on everyday, and sometimes we are conducting this research without even knowing. For example, there was an article in the QU Chronicle last year about fashion trends on campus. Throughout the article, it described the different styles of students and how it was a reflection of where they were from. As Quinnipiac's population is made up of predominately New York, New Jersey and New England students, those were the people who were the focus of the article. However, only five students were asked their opinions on state-to-state fashion trends. The writer of the article used those five students as a base to her platform. From there, she walked up and down dorm road, up to CAS and back, and looked around in the cafeteria to see if what the interviewee's had said was true amongst the campus. She collected enough data by observation to conclude that what was said was true; New Jersey students have more of a beachy style, Rhode Island students have preppy and athletic styles, and New York students like name brands. While this may not be the case for everyone, a good majority fell into these categories. She also found that no matter what state you may be from a commonality for all female students is the Northface and Ugg combination, which I 100% agree with, as I am a student who falls into that category.
This article was written with the help of unobtrusive research. I'm sure the students being observed had no idea what was going on, and it is possible that even the author herself had no idea that she was conducting this type of research.
An example like this can help the PR world because it can give designers ideas about the latest trends that their target audiences are interested in. What is worn the most is what will be produced, publicized and purchased the most.
I can also relate this back to  my blogging topic which is how blogs are used as a form of PR. There are many bloggers that use unobtrusive research in order to write their next post. People who blog about fashion trends observe people everyday to see what styles are popular and what styles are not. Outsiders read these blogs and use the data collected to elaborate on their own personal wardrobe, thus giving publicity to the designers and trends that are focused on.This example proves that unobtrusive research can be used everyday without it even being known that it is used.