Use MS Word to check your grammar and spelling prior to posting. You will not be able to view your classmates’ responses until you have submitted your initial post.
Keep in mind that the system monitors your actions within the forum. Keep in mind that the rules regarding plagiarism and academic dishonesty apply to discussion forms, so don’t copy or submit another’s work; Cite your work, and provide references if/when necessary.
Discussion Topic:
In Chapter 3 of your textbook, various methodological techniques for studying the social world are discussed. A key aspect of sociological research is utilising 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, utilising 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 judgements or opinions of behaviours 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 behaviours occurring?