The writer gathered information from the internet and compiled it into a book. The research is a social science research involving unobtrusive measure. Online communication creates digital footprint that is analyzed by unobtrusive methods. Unobtrusive measure is making observations without the knowledge of the subjects at hand. Data acquired through means that avoid direct elicitation of information from the subjects under study. They are commonly called non-reactive. This research is also called Netnography.
Unobtrusive measures are used to minimize the problem of participant’s knowledge of their involvement in the research projects. Such knowledge would lead the by the subjects to changing their behavior and, as a result, distort research results.The principles of beneficence Belmont report are respect for others, beneficence, and justice. The author should consider all the principles undertaking her research.
As a member of the IRB, I would advice that the social science do not involve the identification of human. Subjects do not require special informed consent because it involves low or relatively no risk to the participants. Further, seeking consent would mean passing the knowledge to the participants that they are under study. The knowledge could lead the participants to alter their experience.
About respect for others, the research should ensure that the participants are not treated unfairly. The author did not include any actions that suggest that the participant was treated unfairly.
References
Lee, R. M. (2000). Unobtrusive methods in social research. Buckingham [England: Open University Press.
Nachmias, D., & Frankfort-Nachmias, C. (1976). Research methods in the social sciences. New York: St. Martin's Press.
Kellehear, A. (1993). The unobtrusive researcher: A guide to methods. St. Leonards, NSW, Australia: Allen & Unwin.
