Assignment #4: Field Observation.

The purpose of this activity is to develop your powers of observation in natural settings, to help identify biases and preconceptions, and to help develop testable hypotheses related to field research. An additional goal is to encourage you to get out of your normal academic setting, and to think about research in a more adventurous spirit.

Each class member is expected to do a minimum of two hours of music-related field observation. The observation must take place off the university campus. Legitimate activities might include observations in a day-care or nursery facility, home for the elderly, at a Karaoke bar, disco, shopping mall. Observations may be carried out in a concert venue, but only if, in the opinion of the instructor, the concert is not something the student might normally attend. If you are white, consider attending a black church. If you are black, consider attending a syngogue. If you are a woman, consider attending a concert by a gay group (perhaps with a friend). If you are male, consider hanging around a bridal shop to make notes on the background music.

Do something out of character; your grade for this assignment will be based in part on the adventurousness and unorthodoxy of your chosen field venue.

Answer the following questions:

1. Before you go to the field identify (in writing) five observations you expect to make.
2. Before you go to the field identify (in writing) three hypotheses you think might be pertinent to the field situation.
3. From your field experience, identify a minimum of five observations you found noteworthy. (These observations might well be the same as in question #1).
4. From your field experience, identify three hypotheses you think might be pertinent. (These hypotheses might well be the same as in question #2).
5. What (if anything) surprised you from your field experience that you didn't expect or anticipate prior to the field assignment.
6. Offer your assessment of the field trip. Did you learn something? Were the observations gained worth the effort? How might your field experience generate additional (or better) observations?

DUE DATE: Friday May 26th.

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