Doing research is about making choices. For interviews it’s what questions you’re going to ask. For observations, it’s about deciding what you’re going to observe, and how you will engage or not engage with the setting. Observation is an interpretive act. Always ask:
- Why are you in the setting? What do you need to observe to inform your observation goals?
- What will you document? And how?
Observe and interpret the activity at the assigned location (see below) as a group for at least 15 minutes. (Conduct the observation in a way that doesn’t frighten or disturb others.) During that time, document the environment, the people who are involved, and the activity that goes on there. Your report should include: 1) a short overview of how you decided on an observation approach; 2) your observational data 3) some initial interpretation of the data in the context of your observation goals.
Assigned locations:
Section 3: The Diag OR Angell Hall Fishbowl
Section 4: Vehicle entryway of Thayer Parking Structure OR 1st floor atrium of east part of Chemistry Building
Section 5: North Quad Courtyard OR Steps in front of Hill Auditorium
Section 6: Corner of State Street & Washington St. OR Main entrance to Rackham Graduate School
Section 7: Corner of State Street & Washington St. OR Main entrance to Rackham Graduate School
Section 8: North Quad Media Gateway OR Main entrance to Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library
Section 9: North Quad Courtyard OR Corner of State Street & Washington St.
Section 10: The Diag OR Angell Hall Fishbowl
Section 11: Corner of Church St. & South University Ave. OR Vehicle entryway of Church Street Parking structure (across from East Hall)
Section 12: University of Michigan Central Campus Transit Center (bus stop) OR Palmer Commons Fields Café cashier
Section 13: Main entrance to Shapiro Undergraduate Library OR Corner of S. University & Tappan Ave.
Section 14: Corner of Church St. & South University Ave. OR Vehicle entryway of Church Street Parking structure (across from East Hall)
Section 15: The Diag OR Angell Hall Fishbowl
Section 17: Ingalls Mall OR Main entrance to the Michigan Union
Section 19: The Diag OR Main entrance to Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library
To access Challenge 4:
去伯顿纪念塔北边二十米的公告亭