Observation Assignment

Objectives

The purpose of this observation assignment was to investigate and interpret the different types of interactions between the individuals and groups present, as well as the environment in which these interactions take place. The various power relationships and sense of hierarchy in addition to the status and authority among the different individuals are also extremely pertinent to this assignment, as the dissection of such interactions and relationships may implicate certain socially constructed gender roles placed on these individuals and society as a whole. The field observation was conducted at the restaurant Pancakes on the Rocks in Sydney. The role adopted, was that of observer as participant. Group structures and dynamics, as well as overall activity, patterns of behavior, and the duration and timing of such behaviors and interactions were observed and recorded. Sociological concepts pertaining to age, gender, class, and ethnicity were also noted and applied.

Rationale

Pancakes on the Rocks was chosen as an ideal observation space as it is located in the heart of Sydney, thus making it accessible to local members of the community as well as travelers, visitors, and, or tourists looking for socialization. The immense popularity of Pancakes on the Rocks, thanks to its reputation for fantastic pancakes and other breakfast food along with its twenty-four hour service, attracts a rather diverse crowd, allowing for different cultural backgrounds, specifically Australians, Americans, and Asians, to be observed. This restaurant may be assumed to be a moderately priced, or even a fairly inexpensive placed to eat, allowing individuals from a wide range of socio-economic classes to dine. Its bright and modern dйcor presents a fun, relaxed environment conducive to all ages and groups of individuals, making it a perfect place to observe and record the interactions between, families, friends, and intimate couples. Ultimately, for all of the previously listed reasons, we believed Pancakes on the Rocks to be a place in which quality research-related information could be gathered.

Ethics

It is not highly unlikely that individuals would feel intimidated or uncomfortable by our observations and note taking. Promoting the rules of ethics pertaining to sociological research, we were prepared to fully explain and disclose the nature and purpose of our study, as well as terminate the observation experiment in the case of an individual's extreme disapproval. Our end goal was to ensure a successful, inconspicuous observational study.

Time & Applications

The observation took place over a one hundred and twenty minute period. This time period allowed us enough time to view individuals as they first entered the restaurant, order their food, eat, socialize, pay the bill, and then finally leave. Our observations and analysis allowed us to make assumptions about the different sociological mechanisms and roles at play. Overall, our conclusions projected a general picture of the social aspects that occur in a densely populated restaurant.

Methods

As already stated, the research methodology of this study was that of observation. Observational studies as such are generally centered on deductive reasoning, producing qualitative data that demonstrates a profound understanding of the phenomenon under investigation from the actor's point of view. It is eclectic, which means, the choice of techniques is dependent on the requirement of the research (DQR, 2006). There are four different types of observation, mainly complete participation, participant as observe, observer as participant, and complete observer. For this study the role of observer as participant has been assigned, thus the study group knows that it is being observed by the researchers, but the researches are not part of the study group, nor do the researchers interact with the participants (keeping interaction to an absolute minimum) (Berg, 1989). The observation site was the restaurant Pancakes on the Rocks. To conduct and record the observations during the two-hour experiment a pen and paper were used as the basic tools.

Results

The seemingly intimate couples observed were quite interesting. Instead of being seated opposite each other, most couples chose to sit next to each other so as to be within closer proximity of one another. The couples that did sit opposite each other spent much of their time bent over or leaning across the table so as to whisper or talk in a more secretive and intimate manner with their partner. The observed body language of these couples was that of an inclusive "please do not bother us" attitude. Their behavior compared to the rest of the occupants in the restaurant was very subdued and much more private. The amount of bodily contact was also much greater than in other groups of participants. Other than their initial glances around the restaurant when they were first seated, almost none of the couples made a habit of surveying the restaurant, as were observed quite frequently with the other members of the study.

Also noted was the tendency for the females within the younger-adult relationships to take leave to the toilet almost as soon as the couple was seated. In some cases, the male ordered the female's drink while she was still in the toilet. Almost always, no matter the age of the couple, alcoholic beverages were preferred to order.

During the meal the couples were much more inclined to share food as well, picking at each other's food. The cases in which the female did not finish her meal, the male almost always finished it for her. After the meals were finished the younger couples were inclined to leave almost immediately, whereas the older couples were more disposed to sit and converse for approximately fifteen minutes after the food plates were taken away by the waitresses. However, these intimate couples always spent considerably less time socializing after the meal compared to the other participants in this study. For every couple observed, men always paid the check.

The other groups of participants observed were those of friends in groups of three or more. Once seated, these groups proceeded to converse for approximately ten minutes or more before even picking up the menus. All of the groups of friends observed appeared to be in their early to late twenties, and almost always alcoholic drinks were ordered. Moderate amount of time was spent on choosing what to order.

Meals in this group of participants were eaten slower