Qualitative Mini-Project

This assignment is intended for you to taste test interview and observation methods in qualitative research rather than to address validity. Keep it simple and enjoy the experience!

Option 1: Choose a setting that you are already planning to visit or visit on a regular basis. It can be your workplace, neighborhood, a bus, library, a coffee shop, sports venue you name it!

For this mini-project, observe the setting as if you were seeing it for the first time. Observe and take notes for at least 20 minutes.
Create a research question based on what you observed and then develop at least one question that you can ask of people involved in that setting will help you answer your research question.
Ask your question of at least 3 people in the setting.

Option 2:  Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, some of you may feel uncomfortable going to public areas and talking with strangers. Conducting an online interview (Zoom, Skype, or Wechat) is another option.

You need to interview at least 3 people, each for 10-20 minutes.
A semi-structured interview is recommended, which means you need to create several open-ended interview questions allowing for a discussion with your interviewee. 
Please ask your interviewees for permission to record the conversation so that you can transcribe part of the interview later.
For both options, you need to then prepare the following:

-Describe your research interest and the setting;
-State your research question;
-Share some of your observational notes or a summary of your notes;
-Share your interview question;
-Summarize your findings;
-Share your thoughts about qualitative research methods