Resistances to naturalistic observation in a geriatric setting

Two residential floors for the disabled in a Home for the Jewish Aged were the setttings for this research. One stationary camera with an audio-video taping system was used on each floor to collect data on staff-elderly interactions. This procedure permitted systematic comparisons of staff-initiated touching in relation to naturalistic variations in (1) the physical appearances of patients, and (2) the sex, age, and social statuses of interaction partners. This procedure is discussed with regard to the methodological and ethical problems it posed.