Observation research on campus - Assignment Example

Task: Observation research on campus Observation is an imperative technique of amassing data in research. This write-up seeksto make findings by observing students in a location on the campus. The observation will be conducted in a campus cafeteria. Students visit the cafeteria often as they buy delicacies. Additionally, most students spend considerable time in this location allowing the researcher to make appropriate observation and record. The students that utilize the cafeteria are of varying age, gender and racial backgrounds.

Therefore, the researcher will have normal data with minimal chances of skewness. The observer should blend in among the students. This will allow the observer amass data without stirring any suspicion. Blending among the students will also allow the researcher to watch closely and make correct recording limiting errors. The researcher will watch the individuals in the cafeteria queue. Consequently, the observer will record the findings. The observation will be recorded in a table. The table enables easier analysis of such data.

Map of the location (Cafeteria)The above map reveals the different sections of the cafeteria located within the campus. The cafeteria has three sections kitchen, recreational area and the queuing area. The observer amasses data from the end of the queue, as if he/she were a student. Being in the queue allows the observer to make more precise.observations.The observation relate to the individuals queued the cafeteria. Individuals on the queueAgeEthnicDressingGenderSocial rank1Mid 20sCaucasianCasual wearfemaleRich2TeenagerAsianCasual wearMaleMiddle class3Early 20sCaucasianOffice wearMaleMiddle class4Late 20sAfricanCasual wearFemaleRich5 Early 20sArabicIslamic dressingFemaleRich6Mid twentiesLatinoOffice wearMaleMiddle class7Early 20sCaucasianCasual wearFemale Middle class8Early 20sCaucasianCasual wear MaleRichObservationsThe resulting observations are subjective since they required the observer’s interpretation.

The queue had eight students waiting to buy delicacies from the popular university cafeteria. Therefore, the students queuing formed the target population for the observer since the data is obtained from them.a. The individuals present in the cafeteria queue were young individuals. This is a common phenomenon in most institutions where majority of they are in their early and mid twenties.b. Most people were dressed in casual clothes; however, a few were dressed in office wear. This largely depends on the fashions orientation of the individual.

However, in institution most individuals are dressed casually.c. The gender distribution was relatively equal. According to the data, the number of females was relatively equal to that of male students.d. The social ranks of the students ranged from middle class to rich. However, the above findings are subjective since this was a difficult characteristic to observe. However, the observer followed hints provided by the dressing although that may not be reliable.e. There the students on the queue were ethically mixed.

The students encompassed five races. Nonetheless, most students were Caucasian. Work citedSilverman, David. Qualitative Research: Theory, Method and Practice. California, CA: Sage Publication, 2004. Print.