One of your TAs, Jess Chapman, took you on a virtual sensory walk this week. Jess made some key
observations, using various senses and pre-existing knowledge of the park space she was navigating. I’d like
you to practice making observations and field notes by taking a similar approach to Jess this week in your
participation challenge.
You have a variety of options available to you — you may spend a period of 5 minutes safely observing
observing the interactions and communication happening in an outdoor or indoor space (please follow public
health guidelines re: physical distancing and mask wearing). Consider how you will make your notes as well –
will you use your phone? A pen and paper? Make your own recordings?
Or you may choose to practice your observation skills by using a media clip or an online environment for this
activity if you prefer. You may return to Jess’ video walk and make observations of your own.
For this activity, you will use a complete observer role, as discussed in this week’s lecture and reading. While
observing, make ‘jottings’ or short notes of the environment and interactions. Remember to consider a variety
of sensory observations.
In your post, please provide a short description of the field setting you are placed in. Then share a short
summary of your notes. Your notes may be point form, however they should be easy to follow (e.g., no short
codes / misspelled words). Lastly, include a sentence or two that reflects on the potential benefits of
observation research, along with barriers or limitations of this method.
Sample Solution
