Description:

For this assignment, you will have the opportunity to engage in naturalistic observation.

Instructions:

As you begin observing individuals in their natural environment, pay close attention to their behavior. You may find it helpful to bring a notepad and take objective notes. Since this is a naturalistic observation, focus solely on what you can see—do not interpret or analyze the behavior while observing.

Step 1: Review

Begin by reviewing the assigned readings and any additional materials provided in this module.

Step 2: Observe

Choose a public space where people naturally gather (such as a farmers market, mall, playground, fair/carnival, etc.) and observe the environment and behavior of individuals for 30–45 minutes.

After your observation session, reflect on what you saw and begin forming a theory about human behavior based on your experience. Prepare a written response that addresses the following questions:

1. What was the location, time, and date of your observation?
    
2. What specific behavior did you choose to focus on?
    
3. Based on your observations, what general insights can you make about human behavior?
    
4. Were there any notable patterns or similarities in how people behaved?
    
5. Did you observe any differences in behavior across age, gender, race, or other demographics?
    
6. Can you identify any potential research questions or hypotheses that emerged from your observation?
    
7. What do you see as the strengths and limitations of this research method?
    

Step 4: Submit Your Work

Write up your findings and analysis in a Word document. Your submission should be 2–4 pages in length, formatted according to APA guidelines (12-point font, double-spaced).