Description:
For this assignment, you will have the opportunity to engage in naturalistic observation.
Instructions:
As you begin observing individuals in their natural environment, pay close attention to their behavior. You may find it helpful to bring a notepad and take objective notes. Since this is a naturalistic observation, focus solely on what you can see—do not interpret or analyze the behavior while observing.
Step 1: Review
Begin by reviewing the assigned readings and any additional materials provided in this module.
Step 2: Observe
Choose a public space where people naturally gather (such as a farmers market, mall, playground, fair/carnival, etc.) and observe the environment and behavior of individuals for 30–45 minutes.
After your observation session, reflect on what you saw and begin forming a theory about human behavior based on your experience. Prepare a written response that addresses the following questions:
- What was the location, time, and date of your observation?
- What specific behavior did you choose to focus on?
- Based on your observations, what general insights can you make about human behavior?
- Were there any notable patterns or similarities in how people behaved?
- Did you observe any differences in behavior across age, gender, race, or other demographics?
- Can you identify any potential research questions or hypotheses that emerged from your observation?
- What do you see as the strengths and limitations of this research method?
Step 4: Submit Your Work
Write up your findings and analysis in a Word document. Your submission should be 2–4 pages in length, formatted according to APA guidelines (12-point font, double-spaced).