Unit 4 Assignment

Due: Sunday by 11:59 pm at the end of Unit 4. In Chapter 8 we are introduced to observation as a viable form of data collection. The six major learning objectives for the chapter are designed to familiarize you with the major types and procedures for data gathering through observation and provide students with a set of guidelines that allow you to implement a research study using observation as a primary method. This assignment is going to put the chapter methodology to the test! The final product will be a paper that is:

 2 - 3 double-spaced, APA formatted pages; and a. Includes at least two (2) references to this week’s materials.

 A spreadsheet as noted in the requirements section below. The requirements for your assignment are:

 First, find your appetite!

 Prepare an observation checklist and tally sheet before you address below.

o Ensure you call out the operational definitions for what you are going to observe.

 Using the personal descriptors from Chapter 8 under the “Data Collection” section, create a spreadsheet listing the who, what, when, how and where of your experiment.

 Next, visit a fast food restaurant, such as McDonald’s or Burger King. For 30 minutes, simply observe patrons as they enter the store, place an order, and consume their meals. Based on this observation, answer the following questions:

 What did most consumers sample first: fries, drink, or other?

 Did most consumers start eating after sitting at a table or before?

 How many consumers used ketchup with their fries?

 How many consumers got a drink refill?

 How many consumers received an incorrect order?

 Did consumers visit the rest room? Before ordering or after?

BUS330 – Business Analytics

Unit 4 Assignment- Observation as a viable form of data collection. through Secondary Data and Exploration

 How long did the ordering process take (from entering door and approaching counter to paying for order and receiving food?

 How long did the consumption process take (from receipt of order to departure from restaurant)?

 How many total consumers were observed?

 Remember!: There should be no interaction between you (the observer) and your “participants”. Perhaps order something yourself and choose a seat in the restaurant where you can observe and take notes?

 Lastly, how would this data help that restaurant improve sales?

Students: Be sure to read the criteria and review the grading rubric on the next page, by which your paper/project will be evaluated, before you write, and again after you write.

Evaluation Rubric for Unit 4 Assignment

CRITERIA Deficient Proficient Exemplary Points Earned

Overview of the Topic

0-13 Points

Does not provide an adequate overview or is missing.

14-27 Points

Overview is presented, though may not be clear or complete.

28-40 Points

Overview is clearly presented including all criteria outlined above.

Complete Answers

0-11 Points Questions unanswered and/or poorly answered.

12-23 Points All questions answered with 1-2 sentence inputs.

24-35 Points All questions answered with depth and clarity.

References to Course Materials

0-5 Points

Less than 2 references, no assimilation to the questions.

6-10 Points

2 references, minimal assimilation to the questions.

11-15 Points

3 or more references and assimilations show depth and clarity.

APA Format 0-1 Point Format has errors that impede professional presentation; and/or APA not followed, reference page missing.

2-3 Points APA format and reference page has few errors that do not impede professional presentation.

4-5 Points APA format and reference page is clear, professional, and error free.

Writing Quality 0-1 Point

More than 7 writing errors, to include spelling and punctuation.

2-3 Points

More than 4 writing errors, to include spelling and punctuation.

4-5 Points

No writing errors.

Total 100