Sociology
Observation Assignment #1
Due: Monday, August 30th, 2010
Your Mission: To attend a sporting event and take notes on the behavior of a particular group (see
options below). Based on your observations, analyze what effect the nature of the sporting event has
on group behavior.
STEP 1: Pick one of the following groups to observe during the sporting event.
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Student body
Parents
Athletes
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Cheerleaders
Band members
Spectators (doesn’t include students)
STEP 2: Make a Hypothesis
Before you head to the game, make a hypothesis regarding what you expect to observe from the group
you have picked. Write your hypothesis at the top of your notes page and be sure to include them in
your paper (even if your hypothesis does not come true).
STEP 3: Proof of Attendance
You’ll need ALL of the following:
 Ticket stub
 Photo of you at the game in front of the field and/or scoreboard (before and after)
 If you attend a school sporting event, you must have a teacher or other staff member of Papillion-La
Vista School Districts signature on a program, the ticket stub, or on this sheet of paper.
STEP 4: Type the paper
Requirements:
 Your paper must be 1 ½ - 2 pages typed. Use Times New Roman in 12 point size font, with one inch
margins on all sides, double spaced.
 Don’t rely on spell check alone, YOU WILL NEED TO check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation
errors.
 Be sure your paper is well organized.
 Include in your paper your observations from the beginning to the end of the event.
 Focus on one group throughout the game. Observe their behavior, reactions, interactions, etc...
throughout the game. Keep track of what is happening during the game that cause for the various
reactions you will see. Remember, cheer for your team, but don’t forget to focus on the task at
hand.
 With your notes and observations, type a paper regarding your observations. Give specific details
into your observation. Remember to include at the beginning your hypothesis to how the
particular group you selected to observe would react. For example: What will the groups reaction
be if two players would get into a fight? Would they cheer them on? Look disgusted? Make
excuses for the student? etc…
STEP 5: Turn the following in:
 Notes from the event
 Proof of attendance
 Final paper