A key aspect of sociological research is utilizing the power of observation. Applying what you have learned about sociological research: First, discuss the role of observational research as a key methodology for studying society. Second, utilizing nonparticipant observation, participant observation, ethnography or netnography observe and record a detailed account of a social context or virtual social context that you are no stranger to (think local coffee shop, shopping mall, church or night club, a blog, twitter feed, or Instagram) from a sociological perspective.
Be careful to be objective and ethically neutral. Do not include judgments or opinions of behaviors but rather, as best as possible, systematic observations. Third, discuss how a common-sense view of that social setting may look different from a sociological one. Does looking through the lens of sociological research methodology transform how that social space may be viewed. Substantiate your views. Fourth and finally, post a response to another classmate’s posting discussing your thoughts in a respectful and thoughtful manner. What stood out to you about their observations and the behaviors occurring?