Public Observation

Public Observation

Introduction

Public places are generally packed with a large number of people, belonging to different backgrounds and different walks of life. All these individual have different behavior patterns and various ways of thinking and behaving, which is molded in accordance with the general behavior pattern and the acceptable decorum of behavior. The variety of behavior patterns and methods of behaving lead provide the social scientists with an excellent platform for making observations and getting an idea about the attitudes and behavior pattern of people, and thus also allow the same to judge their mental capabilities and the extent to which they can remain neutral. It should be taken into account that biases and prejudice are inborn and are naturally involved in the thinking and mental processing of human beings. The same prevents them to think neutrally and make impartial judgments, and thus also poses difficulties conducting researches, that have to be neutral and unbiased. The following paragraphs highlight my observations at a public place: a coffee shop and also focus on the factors that could affect the neutrality of my observations that thus can prevent me from making proper research.

Discussion

In order to complete this paper, I have selected a coffee shop and sat there for 30 minutes, making observations and concentrating on the behavior of individuals in that area, also the ambiance and the overall environment of the place. It is eminent to mention here that there are various reasons behind selecting this area, including that fact that it is meant for people belonging to various age groups and thus the observation does not remain limited to one particular class or category. Moreover, the costumers generally come and sit at the place and thus the researcher is provided with an opportunity to make observations and judge their behavior pattern. The place also has a peaceful ambiance and there is no hustle or rush, which is usually there at other public places and open areas and thus, in my opinion, it is an ideal place to make observations.

It should be taken into account that a number of biases and prejudices can be involved in the observations made at this place, for instance, some of the clients might not behave in the pattern considered suitable by me, or some of them might not have the proper and acceptable dressing. Moreover, the actions of people and their social position might be misjudged due to my personal biases and at the same time, their intellectual capabilities and the abilities might not be judged properly (Stake, 2010). It is eminent to mention here that the biases and the prejudices can be effectively managed by making sure that the general criterion is not being followed and that the individuals are not judged solely on the basis of physical appearance and their first impression.

In this situation, my role, as a researcher, would include making observations regarding behavior pattern of individuals at a formal public place and the methods they adopt to make ...