Stage 1:
(1) (50 pts) Think about the phenomenon or process you selected for your Observation Final Project. Conduct
research to learn more about the phenomenon or process. What methods have been used to study the
phenomenon? What did you learn from your research about the phenomenon that can inform your observation
approach and data collection plan? What are the measurable features of the phenomenon or process as described
in published sources that you found? Cite your sources in APA citation format.
(2) (50 pts) For the phenomenon or process you have decided to observe, determine a measurable phenomenon
or process that you can use your senses (such as sight, smell, taste, touch or hearing) to observe or to collect data
. The phenomenon must have at least three distinct features or processes that are measurable. See example table
below on traffic patterns and the example list of measurable phenomena, processes, or systems.
For this part (2) of Stage 1, you will:
A) describe the phenomenon (10 pts)
B) provide photos of the phenomenon or context. These need to photos you have taken in the context of the
phenomenon you plan to observe. These should not be photos from the internet or other sources. (10 pts)
C) explain 2-3 distinct features or processes of the observation that can be measured (10 pts)
D) indicate at least one of the features or processes that you plan to measure and explain why you selected that
feature or process (10 pts)
E) State a (tentative) hypothesis based on what you plan to measure as stated in Stage 1, part 2D above. Your
hypothesis statement should reflect the results you expect to see and should be based on your preliminary
observations as well as on your review of relevant literature (as in Stage 1, part (1)), including course content,
web pages, research articles, etc. REMINDER: A hypothesis is a statement. It is not a question. A hypothesis
statement should mention the measurable feature (as in Stage 1, part 2D above) and what you expect will happen
to that measurable feature. (10 pts)
Sample Solution
