Participant Observation Assignment - Essay Example

The research questions formulated in this paper are mainly based on empirical observation, that is, information gained by means of watching, experiments or by performing some research study. This field work has been conducted on August 6, 2009 during 10.30 AM and 12.35 PM. The journey for observation assignment started from Hudson, NY station and ended at NY-Penn Station. The train selected for this observation assignment is Empire Service-Eastbound train (which is running Mondays thru Saturdays) whose number is 280.

The source station of this train is Niagara Falls, NY, the departure time from this station is 3.45 AM and its arrival time in the destination station New York, NY-Penn Station is12.35 PM. Subways in New York are the fastest way to travel around the New York City. It is very difficult for the fresher to travel through New York subways. If one is not careful, then one would find it very difficult to reach the destination. If one does not know about the rules and regulations that need to be followed in the subways, then one would find it hard to travel through the subways.

Here, it can be observed that some people are asking others about the direction, or the route one needs to take for reaching specific destinations. People in New York help others to sort out their problems in very friendly manner. Another important thing about people in New York is most of them are confused as to which direction they need to go to reach their destination. In the platforms, it is observable that all sorts of people are present such as teens, middle aged people, old aged people, families etc.

Some people are looking on the map which is placed near the entrances; they are sorting out their doubts themselves without asking to anybody. By observing their facial expressions, it may be concluded that they are not so clear about whether they have gleaned what they needed to know. Time is 10.15 AM. The train to New York, NY-Penn Station will reach