Assignment_02: A small-scale field research
Due 12/02 (Thu) by 11:59PM
In this assignment, you will carry out small-scale participant observation, an integral component of field
research. The purpose is to practice doing observation and generate data using note-taking.
CHOOSING A FIELD SITE: WHERE TO CARRY OUT THE PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION?
There are plenty of possibilities. Some examples are:
x A playground
x A basketball court
x A skate park
x An outdoor market
x A mall
x A coffee shop
In general, the field site should:
x Be open to the public, i.e. you do not need permission to enter, and being there does not make you feel
uncomfortable. In other words, a public space where people-watching is part of the norm.
x Be a space or occasion that serves a specific function, such as a court built for people to play ball.
x Have a decent level of social interaction where it is not too challenging for you to observe. In other
words, a deserted street block or a quiet hiking trail would not be ideal.
x If making observation in a physical space is not possible, you can do web-based fieldwork. Here, the site
selection guidelines are similar. You should choose a virtual field site that is open to the public; and
where users interact online in real-time. For example, a gaming platform, a Twitch channel, or
Clubhouse room. DO NOT choose your CSI virtual classes. DO NOT choose a private, closed meeting.
DO NOT choose an event where users have expectation of privacy. DO NOT choose a virtual field site
where interaction is not in real-time (e.g. a subreddit).
THE FIELDWORK: WHAT TO DO ONCE YOU ARE AT THE FIELD SITE?
Thoroughly observe the physical (or virtual) environment, the people, and the social interaction.
x Note physical environment and the world of objects. For example, how boundaries are marked, what
objects are around, any signages, equipment, openings, symbols. How things are organized spatially.
x Pay attention to who are there, what they are doing, how they are using the space. This includes both
the non-verbal and verbal varieties, such as body language, physical exchanges, conversations, etc.
x Notice not only the presence but also the absence. Who is not there? What is missing? What is not
being said? What norms are not followed or violated? What does the absence say about the site?
x If you feel that ‘nothing is worth noting here,’ ask yourself: What is going on here that makes me feel
this way? The pattern of social life is often hidden in plain sight in the plainest seeming moments and
places.
x Also record time of day, ambiance, level of activity, smell, if relevant, etc
Take notes if you can or type up your notes right after.
x Be detailed. The notes should transport readers to the site even though they were not present at the
moment of the observation. If you feel overwhelmed, use the above section to help you take notes on
the physical (or virtual) environment, the people, and the social interaction.
x Don’t just tell. When you say a person is angry, provide evidence that supports your inference. When
you say a place is disorganized, elaborate on what about it makes you say so. Also, be honest if you can
not ascertain what is going on.
x You can enter the site as a blank slate or with a specific question/interest in mind. Having some
predetermined interest may help you focus on what to observe and record, but it is not necessary. If
that’s the case, make sure your notes capture physical objects, actions, and conversations that are
relevant to your interest.
x See examples of fieldnotes in the appendix below.
You should do your field observation for at least 20-30mins. It could be in one sitting or over more than one
visits.
This is an observation-only assignment. You do not need to interact with others. However, if you do and plan to
ask questions, make sure you are transparent about what you are doing and get permission to ask people
questions.
WHAT TO TURN IN:
Part 1: Your fieldnotes
You should type up your notes as soon as possible. The notes should be detailed and serve the purpose of
transporting readers to the site even though they were not present at the moment of the observation. See an
example of fieldnotes in the appendix below. Your fieldnotes should be in paragraphs and at least two doublespaced pages.
Part 2: Your reflection
Reflect on your experience in the field. How do you feel doing participant observation? What are the challenges
of collecting data this way? What are the rewards? On positionality, in what ways might your social locations
(e.g. race, gender, age, class, ability status) shape what you see during your field observation? Also provide a
summary of themes and patterns that emerge from your observation. Your reflection should be in paragraphs
and at least 1-2 double-spaced page.
SUBMISSION AND FORMATTING GUIDELINES:
x Your field notes should be in paragraphs, at least 2 double-spaced pages.
x Your reflection should be in paragraphs, at least 1-2 double-spaced page.
x Everything should be typed and submitted as one file.
x Margins should be 1 inch and use a 10-12 point font.
x DOC, PDF, or RTF ONLY via Blackboard. NO EMAIL.
x Do NOT include a cover sheet; do include your name and assignment #.
APPENDIX: SAMPLE FIELDNOTES*
*This is only one of many possible ways to organize your fieldnotes.
*This sample only contains Part 1: Fieldnotes and does NOT include Part 2: Reflection
*The field site, which was a closed meeting, is NOT recommended for this assignment. You should choose a site
that is open to the public and you do not need a permission to enter.