Observation

I chose to do my observation outside the St. Thomas University library. I decided to do my observation there because i know it is a very popular destination for most students during and in between classes.
When i got to the library, i decided to sit outside on the very uncomfortable metal chairs. i wanted to blend in and not look like a crazy stalker who was checking everyone out. I wanted to sit outside because i knew that is where many students sit while they wait for their friends or classes to begin. today i was lucky, there were a number of individuals sitting outside going about their normal activities.
I was completely objective in my observation. i sat outside and watched people do what they naturally do. i wanted to watch people in their natural state and let them feel as if i was not there at all.
I was a little old fashioned in my record keeping. i brought with me everything i carry with me at school. the resources were limited, but i was able to use them effectively. I stuck with the old pen and paper routine. Old school, but very effective. the only problem is that it gets hard to write down multiple thoughts. i start writing one, then i forget the other.
i wrote down everything that i focused on. Whether it be the pair of girls having a conversation a table away from me, or the elderly lady smoking a cigarette behind me, or even the constant noise of the fountain in the (pool? lake? pond?) outside the library. Even the constant airplane noise from the airport less than a mile away was on my mind. both the girls seemed to be wearing the same outfit almost. they both had jeans, white belts and white tops. the only difference was one of the girls had a simple white t-shirt on while the other had a white button up shirt. i could not hear their conversation, nor did i want to. Whatever it was though had them giggling every couple minutes.
My observation was limited due to the fact that most people were not doing much. The girls were simply having a normal conversation and no one else was doing much. seeing how my time was limited, i had to choose whether to focus on one subject intently, or multiple subjects minimally. i chose the route of the multiple things minimally. i tried to get a little bit of everything instead of overloading on one subject. I did feel like i did a good job of capturing an essence of where i was.