Homework Week 4 PS

© Park University SO308 – Assignment 4 – Page 1 9/7/2007

Week 4 Assignment – “Data 3: Field Observation”

Learning Outcomes

2. Apply the principles of the scientific method to social science research.

8. Explain and justify the use of quantitative, qualitative and multimethod data gathering techniques.

9. Apply the principles of ethical research.

10. Gather interactive and nonreactive data.

11. Analyze quantitative and qualitative data.

12. Collect, analyze, and critically evaluate empirical data.

13. Present research results to specific audiences.

Directions Assignment 4 – “Data 3: Field Observation” exercise (40 points or 4% of your overall grade, due Sunday at midnight CST of Week 4). Read the instructions then go out into the field to do your two observations. Each one should take at least half an hour. Write up your field notes and send them to your instructor through the Dropbox as a .doc, .rtf, or .txt file, using the field notes specifications. Your field notes should contain dense and rich descriptions of everything you observed, and will likely run to 10 or 20 single-spaced pages. Write up a summary of your findings and experience. What are the results you found? Were there similarities or differences between the results or were the results homogenous? Can you explain why the results may be or may not be similar? What challenges did you encounter? What would you do different next time if you were to repeat this exercise? You will post your “Reflection” essay in the forum provided then participate in a conversation with the other students and compare your experiences. Post your “Reflection” as early as possible in the week to allow time for a good discussion to develop. A Perform 2 observations. B Write up your field notes and submit them to your instructor in the form provided. C Write up a “Reflection” on your findings and experience (400 to 500 words). D Post your write-up in the “Reflections” discussion thread and respond to at least 2 other student postings.

Submitting the Assignment and Due Date Submit your assignment to the Dropbox by Sunday midnight CST of Week 4.

Format General Format (same as in week 2) Write up your field notes in a similar professional manner!

© Park University SO308 – Assignment 4 – Page 2 9/7/2007

Grading Criteria This assignment is worth 40 points.

Requirements: Points

Covered the topic and project requirements thoroughly:

A - Perform 2 field observations, write up your field notes in as much detail as you can and submit them in the form provided. 15

B - Write up a summary of your findings and experience and post it in the “ Reflections” discussion thread. 10

C - Respond to at least 2 other student postings in this “Reflections” thread. 10

Format – 5

Total 40

Questions and Issues: If you have any questions or issues, please post them to the Q & A or Reflections discussion thread.

Field Observation Directions: The field observation continues our study of prejudice and discrimination using a third methodology. It encourages you to pay careful attention to what people actually do and to become aware of how context affects behaviors. You will choose two different public locations to observe individual and group behaviors. Record those data according to the directions in the form DA3data.doc (available in the course “Doc Sharing” section and submit them to your instructor so that they may be included in the complete data set. This must be completed on time. Write up your summary and reflection of your field observations (400 to 500 words) and post it in the “Reflections” thread. Remember that this is not an analysis of these data (that will come in Week 8), it is a reflection on the methodology and your experience. Reply substantively and critically to at least two other students.