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Roth, Jeffrey
The Disturbed Subject
Epistemological and Ethical Implications of Reactivity in Videotape Research
Series: American University Studies - Volume 20
Year of Publication: 1990
New York, Bern, Frankfurt/M., Paris, 1990. 144 pp.
ISBN 978-0-8204-1150-7 hardback
(Hardcover)
Weight: 0.280 kg, 0.617 lbs
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Discipline
Book synopsis
This monograph examines the question whether subjects' altered behavior in response to the presence of video recording equipment constitutes a threat to the accuracy and fairness of observational research. The author criticizes methodological arguments that favor restricting subjects' awareness of and involvement in the videotaping process on the grounds that inspection of the visual record would contaminate «naturally occurring» behavior. Roth argues that this pursuit of invisibility compromises the ethical principles undergirding the subject/researcher relationship - specifically, the doctrine of mutually informed consent. In the final chapter he offers an alternative model of videotape-centered research wherein subjects' reactivity to observation is shown to enlarge the meaning and purpose of social inquiry.
Reviews
«To my knowledge, Roth's is the first work to address the ethical and epistemological implications of the new video tape research. Scholars in a number of scientific disciplines (sociology, psychology, education) and applied fields (counseling, social work, psychiatry) will greatly benefit from his research and ideas.» (Herman Vera, University of Florida)
«This book is a must read for all social scientists who conduct research in natu ral settings. This provocative study convincingly argues that we need to listen to the voices of our subjects and engage them as partners in our research.» (Sandra Bowman Damico, University of Florida)
«Roth's volume is a useful and provocative polemic in this 'ongoing debate' about observational media research. ... Roth has given social science field researchers (especially those with a positivist orientation) much to think about in terms of reactivity and informed consent. The 'References' section is a wealth of sources on both these topics and could direct interested readers to more detailed discussions of specific points. ...he should cause many social science researchers to question and clarify their 'faith' in, and perhaps even to 'expurgate' current methodological 'dogma'.» (James M. Linton, The Journal of Educational Thought)
«Jeffrey Roth says exactly what he proposes to do, and then he does it. He intends to make the case that the present formats of mechanical observation make researchers socially unresponsive and unaccountable to their subjects by distancing researchers from subject involvement, under the false presumption of magnetic-tape objectivity.» (Roland G. Tharp, Behavioral Assessment)
Series
American University Studies: Series 8, Psychology. Vol. 20