Final answer:
Joe is using nonparticipant observation to study prisoners' behavior, which allows him to observe without interacting and influencing their behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is d) Nonparticipant observation. In nonparticipant observation, the researcher observes the subjects of the study without interacting with them, ensuring that their presence does not alter the behavior being studied. This is what Joe is doing by observing prisoners from behind a shaded window. In contrast, participant observation would involve Joe immersing himself in the group while participating in activities to gain an insider's perspective. Surveys would require prisoners to answer questions, which is not the case here. Content analysis involves studying existing records or media to understand social phenomena, which also doesn't describe Joe's method.
In situations where a researcher's presence can be disruptive or impractical, such as in prisons, nonparticipant observation offers an alternative way to gather data without influencing the subjects' natural behavior. It provides a more objective view compared to participant observation, which is more qualitative and involves researchers being active members of the environment they're studying. Sociologists must choose the most appropriate method based on the study's objectives and the context in which data collection occurs.