Observing Social Life Using Ethnographic Skills

Observe social life and write detailed field notes directly after your observations.

Ethnography involves studying a particular group, community, or subculture to gain an in-depth understanding of how that group functions. Identify a site where you can observe social life in a way that is interesting to you. This does not have to be related to criminology. Clearly state a research question that will guide your observations. Spend one-hour conducting observations at this field site. Take jottings during this observation. Write detailed field notes directly after your observations. You should write as complete a narrative of the time you spent observing as you can.