Final answer:
Observational research helps to avoid overreliance on attitudinal data about behavior and is considered a form of nonreactive research, similar to secondary data analysis, which does not influence subject behavior since it uses pre-existing data.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the student's question is A) Observational research. This method helps avoid the overreliance on attitudinal data or verbal description given by respondents about their behavior. Observational research involves the systematic recording of observable behaviors or events rather than relying on subjects' self-reports which may be prone to inaccuracies. It is a form of nonreactive research, which does not alter or influence the behavior of the subjects being studied.
Regarding the nature of secondary data, it is considered unobtrusive, or nonreactive, because it does not include direct contact with subjects and won't alter their behaviors. Secondary data analysis can be a powerful tool, as it allows researchers to study patterns and trends without the risks and investments associated with primary data collection. This form of analysis includes the use of existing records, like old movies or WHO statistics, which can provide valuable insights without the need for new observational studies.
In contrast, a symbolic interactionist might prefer a method like participant observation, which allows them to immerse themselves in the social environment they are studying to gain a deeper understanding of the behaviors and social processes at play. Lastly, the research method used by John S. Lynd and Helen Merrell Lynd in their Middletown study was mainly survey research, allowing them to gather a large amount of data from the community.