Observation and Ethnography Worksheet

In social research, it is important for students of sociology to understand what is meant by observation as a research method and how ethnography relates to observation. This assignment will help you learn this concept.

You will cite two scholarly sources including the textbook to answer the following prompts:

Observation and Ethnography

To answer the prompts below, use this example of an observation:

A sociology student conducts observation research about teens and social interaction at American malls.She has decided to spend several hours observing teens in a local mall.

Studying a small group of teens using their smartphones inside a mall, the researcher observes from afar, taking detailed notes. An hour into the observation, two of the male teens begin arguing.

Eventually, the small group divides into two smaller groups, with one of the two arguing males in each group. The two groups head off in different directions.

Citing your text and one other scholarly source about observation research, explain whether this type of observation is qualitative or quantitative. (30-50 words)

Citing your text,explain if this research is considered interpretivist or positivist. (50-75 words)

Describe the target population. Did the researcher sample from this population? If so, how did she do this? If not, why did she not sample? (50 words)

Should the researcher have obtained informed consent from the teens she was observing before starting her observation? Why or why not? (50 words)

Citing your text,explain whether or not this research would also be considered ethnographic research. (40-50 words)

Compare and contrast observation research and ethnographical research. (50-75 words)

Imagine you are going to use observation research for your research study based on the social problem you selected.