Research Project – Observations
(20 points)
One way to learn more about the world we live in is to step into different parts of it. Individually, you will
conduct observations in a PUBLIC place. The point of this activity is to practice doing observations or
DOING SOCIOLOGY LIVE- Therefore you will need to follow these procedures for maximum results.
1. Prepare for your visit by looking at the TIP SHEET below and decide how you will take notes.
2. As soon as the observation is completed, go back and start writing this paper so that you may
remember as many details as possible, use the Rubric to make sure you have covered all the
important points.
3. You must submit your FIELD notes. So whatever you use to observe must be attached to your
paper. Photos or scans of your field notes are fine as long as I can see what it says on them.
Your PAPER should have the following sections:
1. Intro/Place- Include 1-2 general statements about sociological research and why it’s important.
Then explain where you conducted your observations, some general findings, and a transition
sentence.
*Example: “Social Research is important because __________________. On September 20th at
4:15pm, I decided to conduct a series of observations at William S Hart Park. My
observations generally fell into the categories of race, age, and social class, which I will
explain in detail in my paper below.”
2. Methodology: This portion is a very detailed description of how you observed, what did you use
to record the observations and how did you organize everything (pen, paper etc.).
3. Observations:
a) Discuss everything about the surroundings from the people being observed: What does the
scenery look like? what kind of to the plants, sidewalk, structures, equipment, the odors, the type
of people (age, race/ethnicity, social class, languages, male/females). You must discuss WHAT the
people are doing throughout the observation such as talking, sleeping, exercising playing, looking
bored, excited, inspired, etc.
b) Discuss any interruptions, problems, dilemmas, interferences such as not being able to hear
comments being made, other people around you talking. Even list the length of time you observed
the group/individual. This has to be precise enough, so that if someone would duplicate your
observations, they would follow the same exact procedure. Even the weather needs to be
discussed if you are outside observing people.
4. Findings: What did you find out? Explain your conclusions about what you observed. This is the
part of the project where you can make some generalizations about the people you observed and
your findings. Why were different social classes, races, ages etc. in place of observation? Was one
group from dominant in numbers than others, and why?
5. Evaluation of method: In this last portion, you evaluate your entire project. What would you do
differently? What would you improve, change, duplicate if you had to do this research again? You
can also discuss ideas of other topics that could be studied or came to mind as you were observing
the individuals or groups.
Essay Format:
- 12 point font, with 1 inch margins all around
- Minimum of 2-3pages.
- Must be typed and double spaced
- Field notes are attached to the back in their original condition (DO NOT retype them)
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Be sure to ask any questions during class time or office hours if you are unclear about the instructions.
Also, feel free to email with any questions as well. Again, this paper is due on October 1st during class.
TIPS for a Successful Observation
- Identify the PEOPLE by their appearance and clothing and write down a description of what they
look like (be exact).
- Use Subject 1 or Family 1 (i.e. Subject 1- male, white, 50, red shirt, black pants) to identify your
subjects
- Behavior- discuss what the people were doing exactly (sitting, standing, walking, running, playing
a sport, etc.)
- Ages – use estimated numbers (stay away from young, old, older)
- Sex- identify males or females and see if one group is more dominant than the another (60%
females, 40% males)
- Race/ethnicity- be as accurate as possible and use % of people
- Social Class- were they rich, poor, working or middle class, how can you tell?
- Languages- identify spoken languages
- Minimize interruptions- eat before you go, turn off phone, only observe
- look for differences and similarities amongst the people you’re observing
- look at the relationships between people (couples, friends, family)
Taking Notes:
- spend a lot of time writing notes, several pages is common
- keep your notes as is, draw pictures if it’s helpful
- your mind set is going to affect your notes
- record events in order
- length of time is important- stay at least 30 minutes
- don’t worry about spelling
- record your own feelings
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