Observation and Fieldnotes Exercise
My option: Go online to social media and conduct research about the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. Observe what is happening and if you can, participate. Take “jottings” with your computer, phone or notebook and pen/pencil. Record the number of cases, deaths, and state policies regarding COVID-19.
3- 4 pages, double spaced, 12 point font.
Using the notes you took, expand into fieldnotes. Use the examples in Emerson, Fretz, and Shaw and pp. 1-4 of The World of Lucha Libre to get a sense of the level of detail (as much as possible). You may also expand on your original jottings to include other things you remember or thoughts about your observations. If you notice yourself making assumptions about the people, places, and actions you observe (as you almost certainly will), try to note these as such. Stay close to your observations, in a descriptive and non-judgmental tone – try not to draw conclusions from what you are observing (yet).
This assignment is worth 8 % of your grade and will be graded on a scale of 100.
50 points – at least 3 pages, double-spaced
20 points – specific observations using concrete and precise descriptions, not generalities.
20 points – reflection on your own position as observer and responses to you.
10 points – avoid value judgements of what you observe, or if you include them, reflect critically on why you have the reaction you do.
