...Cultural Observation Project 1 Date: September 10, 2012 Youth 201-Section # B06 Observation: I walked into River Crossing Mall to observe the youth of today. As I entered the mall, my first thought was that watching young people surely could not generate an entire four-page report. You see, I have never taken an interest in watching people that I did not have any direct contact with. I took the escalator down to the first level and I ordered some Chinese food and a diet coke. I found an empty table and proceeded to let the observation begin. Much to my surprise, I began to pay close attention to a group of very young white kids at a table about three rows up from where I was sitting. The first thing I noticed about them is that they each had body piercings and tattoos covered most of their arms. I wondered how they would feel about the dramatic body art they were advertising in about twenty years from now. Next, I saw two young white boys sporting blonde spiked Mohawk hairstyles standing around just outside a video game store. They appeared to be staring very intently at something on the back of one of the games that they each had purchased. This only lasted as long as it took for them to notice three young black girls, who could not have been more then thirteen or fourteen at the most, as they walked by. These girls wore the most revealing and tight little shorts I think I have ever seen on anyone before. When the girls saw that the boys were looking at them...
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...to my observation. First, I begin a brief description of the child I have observed and the setting in which the observation took place. Next I attempt to show my understanding of normal child development, and aspects that can disrupt ‘normal’ child development. Throughout the essay, I will critically examine and reflect on the process of undertaking my observation. And finally, issues of ethics and anti- oppressive practises will be discussed. The child I have observed was three and half year’s old girl called Sara (not her real name), of African Caribbean background and English is the only language spoken at home. All three observations took place at the day-centre she attends. The day-care centre gave me permission to observe her, but not to interact and interfere with her educational activities. As this was my first observation, I was a bit anxious about how Sara might react about me watching her, and while her parents consented about the observations, Sara did not know that I am here to observe her; it is this scenario that made me uncomfortable. I was particularly more concerned about the ethical issues of not informing Sara about the observation. One element of anti-oppressive practice is to make sure that people’s rights are not violated. Social workers must put children’s needs first, and to respect their human rights, including rights to liberty, privacy and family life (Dalrymple and Burke, 1995: 57). In common with anyone who is undertaking child observations, I was...
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...among the people studied. This hands-off research style requires the scientist to have discernment to remain oblivious, account for instances when their presence can affect the behavior and, as other studies, discipline to remain strictly not bias. The first component in this style of research is naturalistic observations, which is for the scientist to be present, but not involved in the study. This observation can be firsthand through one’s own eyes or even by way of media such as a recording of the activity exemplifying the behavior to be measured. As a side note, these styles are particularly interesting when investigating cross-cultural interactions. Observers would try to remain oblivious to the study and take notes about the study’s mannerisms and character directly related to the behavior they are currently observing. Note taking has to remain, as always, precise and, in time, leading to some conclusions testing a hypothesis. This study can be conducted consistently pending the behavior and specifics of the study group. The second approach is participant research where the scientist is actively infiltrating the group studied for firsthand observations. This approach is the most beneficial as it empowers the scientist to collect the experience from a common view and filter it through scientific rationale. This view also is not in a controlled setting, so a raw experience, which may not even be able to be reproduced by the scientist, can be measured and...
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...Running head: Applying Problem Solving Applying Problem Solving University of Phoenix Cultural Diversity PHL/215 Heather Hensell Applying Problem Solving When we face emergencies, deadlines, critical situations, and decisions, which call for action, often we respond to our instinct and just as often we make judgments in haste. No matter if the issues are personal, educational or business, occasionally we do not take the time to consult with those "who have been there, done that!" At times we do not investigate the resources available. In problem solving, following guidelines can save time and heartache. How effectively we use these guidelines will determine our chances for a positive resolution to the problem at hand. First, identify and clarify the problem; we must know the problem to solve it. Second, gather information; we must know all the details to come to the correct solution. Third, evaluate the evidence; things are not always as they seem, determine if the information is justifiable. Fourth, consider alternatives and implications; identify the strengths and weaknesses. Lastly, choose and implement the best alternative. In this paper I have chosen two situations that I will use persuasive thinking to solve the problem and the other I will use scientific thinking. The first problem that I will discuss is Racism, which can be defined as the hatred of one person by another or the prejudice that members...
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...Part C According to Anton Shone (2001), an event experience describes ‘an opportunity for leisure, social or cultural experience outside the normal range of choices or beyond everyday experience’. In order to describe the event’s experience, this quote is quite helpful. In terms of experience, an event should get the visitor out of everyday life. It should provide the participant a new and exciting world in order to create a unique experience. Coming to the event, it can be said that the escape out of the real world worked rather good. The event provided a lot of targets with which an exclusive experience could be formed. Coming to the actual event, the Groniger festival gave visitors the opportunity to experience many different things on many different places. The experience was formed due to the variety of happenings and the diversity of spectrums. People as well as our group could not have the chance to be bored or uninterested due to many the locations. As soon as something turned to be tedious, people changed to the next place. The event provided the chance to feel highly involved. The reason for this was the interaction with the audience. In comparison to other happenings like this, the ‘Nach van kunst en weterschap’ gave people the chance to actively try things, experiment with science and art and be involved as an individual. To give an example for this, a group of scientists offered the opportunity to create and see your own DNA. You had to wash your mouth with salt...
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...Windshield Survey Assignment #1 Template Student Name: _ _ Dates: _ _____________ Name of Community or Zip Code: _ ________ Part One Windshield Survey and Key Informant Interviews Please complete the following information on this template about the community you have selected. You may increase the size of the block by continuing to type. Use as much space as necessary to provide your answers Elements Descriptors Physical Environment Make sure you address fully what you observed and NOTE if something was not found within your community area. ● Boundaries What defines the boundaries (on N, S, E, W)? Roads, water, railroads? Is the area known for a particular name? What area is this community located in? ● Housing and Zoning What is the age of the houses? Describe type of construction material, appearance, and general condition. Do you see single family housing? Multi-family housing? ● Common Meeting Places Where do people in the neighborhood “ hang out”? Who hangs out there and what hours of the day? ● Indicators of Growth or Decline Is this a “thriving” community or does it look “run down?” Is there new or ongoing construction? Are buildings, roadways, and public areas clean and well-kept? Do you see dirt, trash, or graffiti? ● Employment Opportunities What places for employment are there in this area? Name the businesses and industries in this area. ● Transportation How to people get from one place...
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...theory on observational learning (learning by observing behavior) is the single most important form of learning. He argues that people learn most of their behavior through observation and only a little through direct contact. The reason for this is the complexity of most behavior, and that this can’t be learned through verbal instructions. This essay will focus on the principles of observational learning, highlight the strength and weaknesses, and also how observational learning can promote positive intergroup relations on campus at the University of Stellenbosch. Observation is a common learning tool and many, if not most do it unconsciously. The term modeling is used to describe this. This is when an observer observes the behavior of a model and then repeats the behavior. There are a few factors that influence this observational learning. They are the nature of the modeled behavior, the characteristics of the model, the characteristics of the observer, the result of the models behavior and the self-efficacy perception of the observer. The nature of the modeled behavior refers to the actual behavior. The situation in which the behavior takes place and if it is new or old behavior. New behavior attracts more attention than old behavior. The characteristics of the model plays an important role in observation learning. This includes age, sex, race and status. A model with high status is more likely to be imitated. The observer’s characteristics also play a major role in learning...
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...Observation Journal YOUR NAME: Kimber Van Zile Age and gender observed: Male age 11 Description of situation where observations were made: I observed this male in a classroom environment at the school that I currently work at. This child was observed in a familiar and comfortable setting. I was also able to observe him on the playground with his classmates and other students at recess. Development theory or theories you are following with this observation: With this 11 year old male I am going to use the developmental theories of Vygotsky's Social Development Theory. I feel that this childs social development is a lot different than the other classmates that he is around. I feel that is social development is lacking in many areas which in the end results to frustration not only by himself but by his teacher and the other students that are around this child daily. Physical Development observed: The students physical development according to charts comparable to the doctors office seems to be on average. His physical form is not any different from the peers in his class or other classes in his same grade. He is about average weight and height than all the other males that are currently around him while at school. Cognitive/language Development observed: Piaget and Vygotsky both agree that active learners and social interaction are important for development, but they differ in their reasons why. Piaget focuses on the manipulation of objects and ideas...
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...Observations Naturalistic observations- Naturalistic relates to an unchanged, normal environment within which the subject of the study functions. Observation stands for the requirement of watching how someone behaves in order to gather data. Naturalistic observation, therefore, is a method of observing people in their normal environment it rrefers to gathering data without interfering with the current behaviour. Advantages- It is all natural behavior: When there is no effect on the behaviors of the subject, the data collected is much more honest. People show their true feelings, reactions, and behaviors when they are not being examined or observed. It aids research validation: Naturalistic observation is used to confirm results from experiments that have already been done. They help to check or disprove this data because it gives a truly precise account of results. Portrays things in the view of the real world: The tests can be directed in a real world setting. This makes the answers that are gained much more relevant to the hypothesis’s impact in true, real life settings. This is a type of view that is much more problematic, or nearly impossible, to get with other types of experiments and observations that can be done. It allows you to study unethical topics: It allows the researcher to gather valuable data, without intruding the emotional wellbeing of the subject Disadvantages- Outside influences: When doing the observation you have no control over the effects...
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...5 Practical Methods Direct Observations and Windshield Surveys 50 Practical Methods D irect observations allow one to better understand the environment in which people interact and to see the things some residents may not be aware of, or to better understand a phenomenon. Direct observation may help distill useful information that may not be apparent from your other data collection methods. This type of data collection allows you, the observer, to choose a location, event, or phenomenon and then to directly observe human activities over a period of time. Getting Started Begin by vividly describing the location you are observing. Include details, but try not to get bogged down with clutter. These details may seem superfluous at the time, but future analysis may prove otherwise. You should also describe the people you see and what they are doing. Things to Consider Continually return to the main focus of the observation. Developing an observation form may help. A sample observation form can be found on pages 53–55. The form will help guide your observation and help you focus on specific items. You will need to determine the most appropriate sites and gear the timing of your observation toward the phenomena in question. For example, if you observe a site too early in the morning, you may miss social interactions later in the evening that shed light on your community. You may want to observe different sites at various times to make the best...
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...Ways of Knowing An inquisitive nature leads one to being curious, be it by observation or participation. Interest in a particular subject induces an eagerness to seek more information and have a better understanding of it. The insights procured from internalizing the satiation allows a more lucid perspective to be shared by the individual. My ways of knowing stems from observation and participation (or vice versa), as I tend to perceive and act upon it accordingly. This has helped me to be adept at efficiently managing time, exploring new places, and finding comfort in the different cuisines around the world. Punctuality is one of the most important traits for human functioning. Undermining the value of time leads us to assert our disregard for it and ultimately, be tardy. In this case, I’d like to admit that I wasn't the best with handling time. My innate participation in being chronically late had a myriad of negative effects on my life, and this led me to reevaluate my daily routine. Consequently, I observed my standing from a third person view, allowing myself to unlearn the hardwired patterns of being late. I understood that all activities required a “buffer period”. A prime example would be catching a flight. Parameters such as travel time to the airport, check-in, and security needs to be factored in and a disruption in any of the aforementioned would affect the boarding of the flight. Thus, time management requires careful planning and actively participating in it...
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...appropriate terms and vocabulary that we are learning in this course to describe what you observed. Compare what you observed to what you have learned in class: note similarities and/or differences between the 2. If we have not yet covered the topic/age group relevant to your assignment, look ahead in the book and the online classroom to find relevant information. Part IV. Reflection Connect what you have observed to larger cultural and societal influences. (review Module 2: Biocultural Foundations for help) Consider who was present (and who was NOT present) at your activity/observation and discuss how social, cultural and environmental factors may have influenced this. For example: You observe children at dance lessons. Do all children have the opportunity to take dance lessons, or may it be easier for some children to participate than others? (SES-socioeconomic status, work obligations of parents, value of physical activity and the arts, genders represented in the dance class) Consider the behaviors you observed and discuss how the home and cultural environments may influence these behaviors Consider the gender/class/race/ethnicity/etc. of participants and typical gender roles and discuss how...
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...appearance (apparel, equipment, and gear), verbal behavior and interaction (whether they were speaking to each other, time length of interactions. This particular technique of observation is effective for documenting group data and focusing on patterns of group behavior Adler and Adler (1994:384). Passive participation yielded clues about attitudes and rules of participation, the structure and functions of the facilities, including the periphery services they rendered. For example, most of the fitness center provided complementary services such as courses or lessons on proper dieting, resting, how to use new equipment, and appropriate ways to play sports for optimum benefits. After gathering general information, I started making more specific...
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...Anthropology 202 Fall 2015 Instructor: Ian Kalman Written Assignment: Ethnographic Observation This assignment is an exercise in ethnographic observation. Students are asked to choose a location in the Montreal area for a field site. There, they will spend at least an hour, taking (hand-written) notes on what they observe. Successful sites are those in which, to some extent, what is considered ‘normal’ differs from the observer’s own sense of normal. In other words, students are asked to go to a place where taken-for-granted knowledge differs from their own and report on their experiences and insights. In doing so, you make something that was previously strange slightly more familiar, and write about it. Students are then asked to write their papers in two parts, including both a description and analysis of their experience (total 1800 words maximum). Analyses should be no more than 400 words. Papers will be assigned a grade based on the success with which they, (1) demonstrate they have chosen a site appropriate for anthropological observation, (2) richly describe what they observed, and (3) draw out and support interesting interpretations rooted in their experience. Assignments count for 30% of the student’s final grade. Unexcused late submissions will be penalized five points per day of lateness. Papers must be submitted in word format electronically before 2:30PM on Tuesday, October 20th. Please note that as this is an electronic submission, you will be...
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...diverse group of age ranges and see both males and females interact. Starbucks have a wide variety of customers that come in, especially a wide variety of businessmen and businesswomen. I believe that this was a perfect spot to conduct my observations. I was thinking about conducting my research at my current job but I figured I would choose somewhere where I did not know any of the people there, so I figured this would make my observations more interesting. Going into this project I thought I would see a diverse age group that ranged from children, students to young adults and retirees. I also thought I would observe females interacting with females, males interacting with males, and females interacting with males. During these observations, I hoped to observe how people interact differently based on what kind of situation they are in (business versus social), and I also hoped to observe behaviors between different genders. Starbucks was a great place to conduct this research because I always see professionals meeting up with their business laptops. I conducted these observations on a Saturday afternoon, and I stayed for about three hours. I figured a Saturday would be a good time because that’s when I could get a really good observation. During this time, I observed about two handfuls of random people. The people I observed included a group of men who appeared to be retired, a group of women who looked like they were in there late 60s, two businesswomen, a group of businessmen...
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