Commentaries on two other students application projects week 3 - Essay Example

Application Project Commentary Week 3 Introduction to Sociology Application Project Commentary Week 3 Commentary Subculture Observing Learning The application project entitled “Observing Learning” written by Adrienne Smith aimed to expound on one’s personal experiences relative to participant observation. According to Macionis (2011), participant observation is “a method by which researchers systematicallyobserve people while joining in their routine activities. Participant observation research is descriptive and often exploratory” (Macionis, 2011, p. 7). The participant observation process that was therefore delved into by Smith complied with the research method as presented by Macionis in terms of satisfying the noted criteria: observing people within the drivers’ training and joining in their routin activities as an active and collaborative participant.

This was also satisfied in the oil change scenario. However, as noted by Smith, no theories of socialization were used during the participant observation processes. In fact, the discussion of socialization theories discussed Erik H. Erikson’s Eight Stages of Development (Erikson, 1993) but did not related these theories to the research method. One could deduce that the level and extent of learning from participant observation differs according to the specific stage of development an individual is in.

It was therefore evident from Smith’s discourse, that the current stage of development being manifested was the sixth stage which is young adulthood where vast applications of sociological theories are being practiced in conjunction with the research method used. Through participant observation, the social theory applied focuses on the symbolic-interaction approach which “is a framework for building theory that sees society as the product of the everyday interactions of individuals” (Macionis, Chapter 1: Sociology: Perspective, Theory, and Method Detailed Outline, 2011, p. 3). As clearly evident from the discourse, there were uses of symbols, language, non-verbal cues and patterns which prove that sociological theories were apparently actively evident.

ReferencesErickson, E. (1993). Childhood and Society. W. W. Norton & Company.Macionis, J. (2011). Chapter 1: Sociology: Perspective, Theory, and Method Detailed Outline. Retrieved August 18, 2012, from pearsonhighered.com: http://www.pearsonhighered.com/assets/hip/us/hip_us_pearsonhighered/samplechapter/0205005500.pdfMacionis, J. (2011). Society: The Basics, 11/E. Pearson.Commentary 2: Participant Observation The application project written by Michael Fretwell entitled “Participant Observation” focused on the application of this research method through differentiating learning from his perspective and from the point of view of his four year old son.

It was therefore apparent and evident that the criteria for participant observation as the research method was sufficiently complied given that the scenarios of the work setting and the pursuit to provide effective learning to his son through T-Ball Drills. The compliance to linking application with sociological theories were likewise evident from providing a descriptive and exploratory discourse on both learning experiences. As such, it was also clear that the sociological theory of structural-functional approach which “is a framework for building theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability” (Macionis, Chapter 1: Sociology: Perspective, Theory, and Method Detailed Outline, 2011, p. 3). Fretwell emphasized that “social interaction is the best teacher that anyone can have as long as they know about the subject” (Fretwell, 2012, p. 4). Through the concept of social structures and social functions, roles and responsibilities that individuals pursue according to their interests, educational background, and work experiences assist in enhancing learning.

These knowledge, abilities and skills were shared through the experiences relayed by Fretwell confirming the validity of applying social theories in the participant observation method.ReferencesFretwell, M. (2012). Participant Observation: An Application Project.Macionis, J. (2011). Chapter 1: Sociology: Perspective, Theory, and Method Detailed Outline. Retrieved August 18, 2012, from pearsonhighered.com: http://www.pearsonhighered.com/assets/hip/us/hip_us_pearsonhighered/samplechapter/0205005500.

pdfMacionis, J. (2011). Society: The Basics, 11/E. Pearson.