Read  the directions provided below then post and reply to the discussion  prompt (400 words or more for each entry and TWO Replies). Discussion  first entries are due on a Monday and the replies are due no later than  the subsequent Friday. 

Discussion Topic:

In  Chapter 3 of your textbook, various methodological techniques for  studying the social world are discussed. A key aspect of sociological  research is utilizing the power of observation. Applying what you have  learned about sociological research: First, discuss the role of  observational research as a key methodology for studying society.  Second, utilizing nonparticipant observation, participant observation,  ethnography or netnography observe and record a detailed account of a  social context or virtual social context that you are no stranger to  (think local coffee shop, shopping mall, church or night club, a blog,  twitter feed, or Instagram) from a sociological perspective. Be careful  to be objective and ethically neutral. Do not include judgments or  opinions of behaviors but rather, as best as possible, systematic  observations. Third, discuss how a common-sense view of that social  setting may look different from a sociological one. Does looking through  the lens of sociological research methodology transform how that social  space may be viewed. Substantiate your views. Fourth and finally, post a  response to another classmate’s posting discussing your thoughts in a  respectful and thoughtful manner. What stood out to you about their  observations and the behaviors occurring? 

General Requirement(s):

Discussion postings are worth 15 percent of your total grade. 

• You are required to  first post a response to the discussion board prompt and it must be a  minimum of 400 words. Citations, titles, copying questions, references,  and other identifying information does not count toward word count.
• You are required to use proper grammar and spelling. When using other sources, citations using APA style are required.
• Direct quotes are  not permitted in discussion posting, therefore you must paraphrase and  cite. In addition, you must post a discussion response to a student’s  discussion posting.
• When responding to a  classmate to a classmate, your response needs to be pertinent and of  substance. Stating that you agree or disagree is not sufficient. You  must substantiate your responses.
• Above all, they must  be respectful and worthy of intellectual honesty, sincerity, and  humility. Responses must be a minimum of 150 words as well.