Law Homework Help

you have three location options to choose from  to conduct your direct observation (you MUST choose one of these  locations):

A coffee shop you’ve never been to in a neighborhood you are unfamiliar with.

An outdoor sporting event

• A location of your choice at Balboa Park
• Important: Remember that the sole purpose of your  visit is to observe, not participate!  For example, a sporting event in  which you are playing/participating doesn’t count. You should be taking notes the entire time you are there. Also please practice COVID safety.  Wear a mask, maintain your distance, wash your hands frequently!
• Guidelines for conducting Direct Observation

Decide on a location. Make sure the location is a public  place. Invasion of privacy is unacceptable. You must choose from the  list of locations you have been given.

Set a time line. You should plan on spending a minimum of  one hour, but not longer than two hours observing.  Make sure you plan  your schedule so that you can do the observation at the most appropriate  time.

Take notes! The more detailed and factual, the better. You  can handwrite your notes while in the field (if this is easier and makes  you less conspicuous) but you should type up your  notes as soon as you have the opportunity (usually right after leaving  the field so the memories are fresh).  Your notes can be written in the  first person (e.g. I arrived at the coffee shop and sat in the far  corner of the store at a table that was facing the center of the room. I  saw a man with a red hat come in and sit down without ordering  anything). Your notes should detail everything you observed related to  your research goals, from the seemingly mundane to the more  interesting/exciting.  It is ok to note what you think is happening  (e.g. “the man sat down at the table and seemed angry at the woman who  was with him”) but you shouldn’t add any of your own judgement into your  field notes (e.g. “he had no right to be angry at her, she was just  waiting for him”).

Be aware of your surroundings and be courteous to your subjects. In  some situations, people may not notice your presence, but if they ask  questions, answer briefly, politely, and honestly. If they seem offended  or annoyed, stop asking questions or leave the location. If you  interview anyone, you must get their informed consent (you won’t be  doing this, just FYI). If anyone makes you feel threatened or uneasy,  leave immediately.