Observation Essay
The Essay:
You will write an essay that develops your observations of your chosen subculture in a way that allows the reader to “see” what you see as well as benefit from your in-depth interpretations about the structure, members, ideologies and traditions of the subculture. This essay is just one of several essays that you will write that will culminate in one final ethnographic study project paper.
Format:
- Cover Page (Adhering to APA style)
- 3 pages
- Times New Roman
- 12 pt. font
- Double-spaced
- 1” margins all around
- APA formatting
Writing the Essay
Place the Reader in the Moment:
Choose an event or gathering where you can observe your subculture interacting as a group. It is imperative that you begin your study with an observation as a group so that you can see how those within the subculture interact with each other. You will have plenty of time to interact with them one-on-one, and I encourage you to do so as well. What did you see and hear? It can identify who this group is, where and when you observed them, and what connection you have to the group. Make sure that you include as many sensory details as possible. Paint a picture for the reader – draw the reader into the experience of the observation. Be a fly on the wall. Place the reader in the moment. It is all about the moment.
Interpreting your experience:
Your thesis statement will state what it is you want to communicate overall with your essay. Remember that as you interpret, you are conveying your own thoughts. There is no absolutely objective way to measure the truth of what you say – but it will be well supported if you can point to detailed observations to back up your thoughts. It is okay to say “I think” or to discuss your impressions and feelings. Just use examples from your observations to show why you arrived at that thought.
In the final draft of this essay, you will revise out the use of the first person pronoun “I” as you will not be present in the essay at all. You will only be the “observer.” The reader will view the event through your lenses – that of the objective observer.
Observing and taking notes:
It’s best to take notes during the observation. If that is impractical, take notes immediately afterward. Summarizing your memories of an event is not what ethnographic observation calls for (though it’s okay in journalism or memoir). You want to get down detailed, specific, observations, on details such as:
- examples of speech
- clothing
- ways of greeting, initiating conversation, beginning and ending an event
- body language, gestures
- the physical environment (the room, decorations, facilities – draw maps, write descriptions)
- social environment (Describe the community this group is a part of, and where they fit in that community.)
- timelines (You can write down what happens every five minutes, for instance. Or you can write down a time next to each observation.)
- any other concrete, physical detail of behavior, speech, or the environment
- Use a camera if you want to record physically to help recall details later
About Privacy: Use common sense. Be aware of privacy issues. You are writing a public paper. If you are observing a public setting, remember that your subjects didn’t give permission, and avoid using real names or reporting anything personal. If you are observing a private setting, let people know you are writing a paper. Don’t report private conversations; report typical examples of speech, and snippets of conversation unless given permission. If you tell people why you are there, generally, they will allow you to participate and welcome your questions. Always be honest. Anthropologists are detectives of sorts, but do not think you have to go undercover to get the real scoop!
Now all of these specifics are there to assist you in drawing the picture and not do you can give a step by step account of what happened – that is NOT the goal. Use descriptive and sensory details to paint a picture with words and place the readers in the moment – your observation moment.