My Assigned Location ______________________________
LAB ASSIGNMENT 1. OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
Due: Friday, September 7 in class
In this exercise, you will conduct an observational study in a public setting on campus. Your job is to describe
the setting and the social life that take place within it as completely and accurately as possible in field notes.
You will use your field notes to identify a pattern of behavior and to propose an explanation for the pattern. We
will also use your observational studies to identify possible research topics for our semester-long projects and to
discuss the role of interpretation in social research.
We will observe six public settings on campus:
1. The entrance to the Central Library
2. Sam’s Click Café (1st floor of the Central Library)
3. The 5th floor quiet study area (Central Library)
4. Dining area (1st floor of the E.H. Hereford University Center)
5. Connections Café (1st floor of the E.H. Hereford University Center)
6. Sierras Lounge (2nd floor of the E.H. Hereford University Center)
I will assign one location to each student. I expect you to observe the location for 20 minutes beginning at 3:00
on Wednesday, September 5 (during the lab). Note that about five students will be observing each of these
locations at the same time. As much as possible, you must blend into the environment – that is, do not make it
obvious that you are observing and taking detailed field notes. Although you may sit together (e.g., to appear
like you are studying), you may not discuss your observations!!! Part of this exercise will involve comparing
your observations to discuss the role of interpretation in social research.
I would suggest completing the description of the setting after observing the social life. You should draw a map
of the setting and describe in detail the physical content/characteristics of the setting (e.g., the placement of
chairs, tables, etc.; the location of entrances and exits; lighting; sound; etc). The description of the setting will
take a while to complete and should not be counted toward the twenty minutes of observation.
What to turn in:
 Field notes that include:
o A detailed description of the social life that you observed
o A description of your method – that is, how did you observe and take notes, etc.?
o A detailed description of your location
 A discussion of any patterns that you noticed after reading through your field notes (i.e., what patterns
did you notice and why did the subjects behave the way they did)
I will deduct points or refuse to accept assignments if they are disorganized and sloppy. Staple your papers
together and write your name at the top. Keep a copy for yourself just in case.