Choose a site for observing for approximately 1 hour (not less than 1⁄2 hour). This should be consistent observation—that is, if you are going to observe at a restaurant, the observation should not be while you are eating (especially with another person). You want to really be able to observe. Previous sites have included things such as:
Sports Bar (strangers interacting in Sports Bar)
Restaurant/coffee shop
Sports event
Bowling Alley
Concert line or concert itself
Choose a site where you can observe rather unobtrusively. You don’t want people walking up to your table and asking why you’re staring at them or anything. Until you have better training and practice observing, you probably want a site where you can take scratch notes (not just head notes). Try to include more than just the visual sense.
Be sure to separate observations from interpretations as you write!
Include a final “memo” that summarizes the event, tells what you learned (both about observing and about the field/scene/site in question) and suggests potential directions for research.
Include:
Descriptive nature of observation (do I feel like I am “there”? This may involve multi-sensory observations where appropriate).
Clear distinction of observation versus induction, with observer’s comments clearly marked as such (for example, if you are making an induction, make sure you include observable detail as to why. Don’t just say someone is “angry” or is “married” unless you have evidence. Okay to use qualifiers “seems to be,” but, again, with observable support.
**Located in Somerset County, PA
Location examples:
– Tailgatez Sports Grill
– Mel’s Restaurant & Lounge (Just reopened after renovations / smoking bar)
Eat’n Park
Starbucks
Lincoln Cafe (small family owned)
Students will write a 2-page reflection on the assignment including the requirements above. No citations are required, but must be written in APA 7 Format.