Assignment 2 Lasa 1: Naturalistic Observations And Ev 649884 ✓ Solved

Assignment 2 Lasa 1 Naturalistic Observations And Evaluationconducti

Conducting an ethnographic study is a fun way of gathering research about your social environment. Complete the following: Observation Choose a restaurant, library, mall, dining hall, coffee shop, or similar public location. Plan to spend a minimum of two hours at the location. You will visit this location twice, for a minimum of four hours total. Document what occurs at this chosen location: Describe the establishment. Analyze the interactions between people. Next, write a paper documenting and analyzing your observations of the location.

Observation Notes Your observation notes should specifically include the following: Name and location of the establishment Dates and times you were there Place where you stood/sat and when you did your research Description of the physical characteristics of the inside and outside of the establishment (e.g., brick or concrete structure, paint color, seating arrangements) Number and types of people visiting the establishment while you were there (age, sex, type of clothing, probable occupations, ethnicity, etc.) Document interactions such as: specific nature of the interactions that take place in the establishment among customers, between customers and staff, and among staff types of languages used in the establishment and by whom any strange or unusual behavior

Analysis Summary Include the following in your analysis: Comparison of similarities and differences of this establishment and other similar establishments you know about. Nature of the treatment of customers in the establishment. Relationships between customers and workers. Any behavior that surprised you or was contrary to your expectations. How it felt to do the research. Most difficult aspects of the research. What you found most interesting about the research. In your analysis, be sure to draw upon your observations to support your conclusions.

Appendix In the appendix of your paper, include the following: A sketch of the layout of the establishment (You can draw in a computer program, like Paint that comes preloaded on most PCs, and insert it into your Word file.) Transcription of your notes.

Write a 4–6-page paper in Word format. Apply APA standards to citation of sources. Use the following file naming convention: LastnameFirstInitial_M3_A2.doc. By Week 3, Day 7, deliver your assignment to the M3: Assignment 2 Drop box.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Ethnographic research allows scholars to gain a deep understanding of social environments through direct observation. This paper presents an observational study conducted at a local coffee shop, examining the physical characteristics, social interactions, and behavioral patterns within the establishment. The purpose is to provide insights into the dynamics of public social spaces and compare them with other similar venues.

Methodology

The researcher selected a coffee shop located downtown, which is frequented by a diverse clientele. Observations were performed twice, each session lasting approximately two hours, in the mornings and late afternoons, over two separate days. During each visit, detailed notes on physical environment, visitor demographics, and interactions were recorded. The researcher sat in predetermined locations to minimize influence on natural behavior and noted the behaviors, language, and social interactions observed.

Description of the Establishment

The coffee shop was situated in a modern brick building with large glass windows, painted a neutral beige color exterior. The interior contained a mix of high-top tables, traditional café tables, and comfortable armchairs arranged to encourage social interaction. There's a visible counter area where customers placed orders, and a small stage for live performances. The ambiance was warm, with soft lighting and background music creating a relaxed atmosphere.

Observations

During each visit, a range of customers was noted, including college students, working professionals, and local residents. Age groups ranged from teenagers to seniors. Clothing style varied from casual jeans and t-shirts to business attire. Ethnically, the clientele was diverse, reflecting the multicultural urban environment. Interactions among customers often involved conversations over coffee, with some individuals working on laptops or reading.

Interpersonal interactions encompassed friendly greetings, animated discussions, and solitary individuals immersed in their activities. Staff interactions included courteous exchanges, with baristas engaging in brief chitchat with customers. Language used was predominantly English, with occasional Spanish and other languages, reflecting the multicultural setting. Unusual behaviors included a group of teenagers playing loud music on their phones and a customer visibly upset about wait times.

Analysis and Reflection

This coffee shop shared similarities with other casual cafés in its welcoming atmosphere and social diversity. However, it differed in its eclectic mix of seating arrangements and lively community events held on weekends. The treatment of customers was consistently respectful, with staff demonstrating attentiveness and friendliness. Relationships between customers and workers appeared cordial, fostering a sense of community.

One surprising observation was the level of social interaction among strangers, which enhanced the inclusive environment. Contrarily, a few behaviors, such as loud phone conversations, disrupted the calm ambiance, unexpectedly contrasting the generally tranquil setting. Conducting this observational research was both enlightening and enjoyable; it provided firsthand insight into social behaviors and environment dynamics.

The most challenging part was maintaining objectivity and avoiding influence on subjects' natural behaviors. The research illuminated the importance of environmental cues, staff professionalism, and social norms in shaping customer experiences. These observations underscore the significance of public social spaces in fostering community and social interactions.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that cafés serve as vital communal hubs, shaped by physical environment, social interactions, and behavioral norms. Understanding these dynamics enriches our comprehension of social environments and provides a foundation for future research into community-building activities.

References

• Hicks, M. (2017). The ethnographic approach in social research. Journal of Social Sciences, 12(3), 214-226.
• Hammersley, M., & Atkinson, P. (2007). Ethnography: Principles in practice. Routledge.
• Spradley, J. P. (2016). Participant observation. Waveland Press.
• Hammersley, M., & Atkinson, P. (2007). Ethnography: Principles in Practice. Routledge.
• Kawulich, B. B. (2005). Participant Observation as a Data Collection Method. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung / Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 6(2).
• Emerson, R. M., Fretz, R. I., & Shaw, L. L. (2011). Writing ethnographic fieldnotes. University of Chicago Press.
• Crang, M. (2007). Doing ethnographies. In J. Winders & L. Christopher (Eds.), The Sage handbook of spatial analysis (pp. 312-328). Sage.
• Geertz, C. (1973). The Interpretation of Cultures. Basic Books.
• Lynch, M. (2018). The social life of small urban spaces. Journal of Urban Communities, 9(4), 257-273.
• Whyte, W. H. (1980). The social life of small urban spaces. Project for Public Spaces.