Final answer:
Secondary analysis of official statistics is seen as unobtrusive because it is a nonreactive, nonintrusive method that does not involve direct contact with subjects and does not alter their behaviors. Using preexisting data means the research is less likely to influence behaviours and allows examination of data from a different perspective without new data collection efforts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The secondary analysis of official statistics has been seen as an "unobtrusive" method because it is a nonreactive research technique. This means that the researcher does not have direct contact with the subjects of the research, thereby avoiding potential alterations or influences on the behaviors of those subjects. Unlike primary research methods that involve direct interaction, which could introduce "reactive effects" or changes in behavior due to the presence of the researcher, secondary data analysis utilizes preexisting data that does not require such interaction. Therefore, this technique preserves the subjects' behaviors as they naturally occurred without researcher's interference.
This approach is distinct from the research where a researcher's presence is unavoidable, such as in environments requiring direct observation or participation. With secondary data analysis, sociologists and other researchers can re-examine and interpret existing data, findings, or content from a new perspective without needing to invest the time, money, and presence directly in the social setting being studied. Furthermore, because the data was not originally collected for the current researcher's specific purposes, it remains unaffected by their hypotheses or research goals. Thus, secondary data analysis is considered unobtrusive, as it allows study inquiry to be conducted without being intrusive to the participants or researcher's spare time.