Homework: Participant Observation
Participant observation is a method of research in the social sciences. An investigator studies the life of a group by sharing in its activities. That is, the investigator participates within the area they are observing and from which the data will be gathered. (DeWalt & DeWalt, 2010). Participant observation is foundational to the field of qualitative research known as ethnography. This process is the opposite of observing a phenomenon from the outside, making sure you do not influence or interact with the people or system you are studying. A participant observer is just that: an observer who is also a participant. You will be a participant observer in this week. Everyone you meet has a story. Every place you go tells a tale. Are you listening?
In preparation for your participant observation, complete this assigned readings and download and read the Homework Handout: Participant Observation Guidelines, which will guide your efforts for this homework.
In addition, review the Australian Bureau of Statistics' article "Statistical Language-Quantitative and Qualitative Data," a Learning Resource you read. Select a public place in which to conduct your participant observations, such as a local coffee shop, diner/restaurant, youth sports field, grocery store, gas station, group public transportation (bus, train, or subway), or amusement park. Consider the types of qualitative and quantitative data you are likely to gather in this location.
Conduct your participant observation by spending at least 45 minutes in the public place you selected.
Do three things with your observations:
• Create categories of what you find interesting and salient to observe and record.
• Collect numerical data (e.g., how many individuals drink coffee instead of another drink, how many individuals enter the coffee shop alone versus how many enter with another person).
• Collect data that does not strictly fit within numerical categories (e.g., ambiance, customer reactions, cordial staff interactions)
Submit a minimum 5 to 6 slides presentation that includes:
i. A summary and comparison of the quantitative and qualitative results of your participant observations
ii. Your interpretations of the data you collected (e.g., a trend or reoccurring event)
iii. At least one visual tool that presents data (see Hyerle's Visual Tools for Transforming Information Into Knowledge for possibilities)
iv. An evaluation of the benefits of both quantitative and qualitative data collection during participant observations
Format your homework according to the following formatting requirements:
o The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
o The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
o Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.