Project 4: Observation
Collecting Data:
1) Choose a place (can be anywhere you have access to)
2) observe from one viewpoint (place/position) for 60 minutes.
3) Take copious notes. You must document everything you see (EVERYTHING….but that’s not possible…I know, so you have to try really hard). You should have several pages of notes.
4) make sure to be documenting colors, smells, texture, action, interaction, sounds, feelings. You want to have thick description which refers to the detailed account of field experiences in which the researcher makes explicit the patterns of cultural and social relationships and puts them in context (Holloway, 1997).
This can be contrasted with thin description, which is a superficial account.
Writing up the experience:
1) A memo is a note yourself and collaborators about your findings during a project. Memos should be 1200 to 1600 words and include both quantitative and qualitative analysis A) what you saw B) how much of it C) how long. D) qualitative analysis can not be counted, it is descriptive and analytical. What are your conclusions? These must be supported by your findings.
A) Review your notes. Identify what you have seen. Identify patterns. Organize your notes into themes/points.
B) Consider why you chose the location, the time, your position. What were you looking for? Did you find it? Does looking for something effect your ability to collect data?
C) What are your conclusions? What do you know now that you didn’t know before? Does your evidence support your conclusions