Ethnographic Observation Project
Assignment Instructions: SOC 361
Ethnographic Observation Project
In your second data collection and analysis assignment you will complete an ethnographic observation
in a setting of your choice. First, you are asked to choose a setting where people interact in a way that
might shed light on some important aspect of a topic related to your setting. This must be a public
setting (no trespassing on private property, dangerous or illegal observing) like a public event, park,
meeting, restaurant, or other open place. You may also observe in a more closed space with permission,
such as a classroom. Do not conduct your observation during a class you are enrolled in. Second, after
choosing your setting, brainstorm possible questions you might have about this setting. Third, you
should observe the social setting. Your observations should take place over a period of at least 2
hours. It is recommended that you break this into at least two shorter stints in order to get
feedback.
Plan to take scratch notes (“jottings”) while you are in the field. As soon as possible afterward, type up
more detailed fieldnotes. If you are participating, you will need to take mental notes and then write them
up as soon as you can after the event is over (since our memories for detail fade quickly, the sooner the
better!). Think carefully about the time and location you choose. You will need to explain your choices
in your write-up. If you are actively participating in the setting, you must decide whether or not to
inform your participants of your role as a researcher. This is probably not necessary in public settings
like restaurants.
You will turn in your typed field notes (all of them), along with a 3-4 page (double spaced) summary of
your study and findings. In those 3-4 pages, please address the following questions based on your
fieldnotes and analysis (roughly a paragraph each):
1. Set the scene and describe the site using your fieldnotes and explain why/you selected your site.
2. Analysis: What were the patterns you observed? How did these relate to your brainstormed
questions?
3. Engage in reflexivity by writing about your positionality and role as a researcher. Also describe your
research role.
4. Conclusions that you draw from your observations. These should include: What does this method
add to your ability to generate knowledge about your setting? How does this work in relation to
broader concerns of research methods? (i.e., compared to interviews or surveys) What surprised
you? How did other contingencies influence your conclusions?
You can upload your first batch of fieldnotes as part of Lab 9, then your second set will be included with
the rest of the project. Late papers will be marked down and will not receive timely feedback. The
summary should be formatted with Times New Roman, 12pt font, double-spaced text (single spaced
header) with 1” margins on all sides, and all sources cited in-text and in a reference page in ASA or
APA format.
Baseball Pracitce at CAl state San Marcos, I have attached my notes for the first part. You can make it all up.
Paper Format: APA
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