Setting

The location is a fabric department of a well-known retail chain from 12:30-12:45 pm. I observed customers as they browsed the department and looked at the various fabric choices. The purpose was to observe the differences between the ages in a fabric department. It was busy and within 15 minutes more than twenty people came and went.

Question

The question I wanted to answer was, “Is there a difference in the type of fabric people look at and buy based on their age?”

Observation

Individuals with children would stop and look at the children’s fabric. Pregnant woman almost always bought fleece, which I can assume is for the purpose of making baby blankets. Older woman primarily bought quilting fabrics and or flannel. Woman between the ages of 25 and 35 bought more apparel fabric than anything else. And teenagers mainly looked at and purchased tulle. There are variations to this but what I just mentioned was the norm during the observation.

Conclusion

Age does have an effect on what fabrics a person looks at when in a fabric store. It almost shows what stage of life each person is in. The teens are buying stuff to make tutus for home coming and proms, woman expecting a child will buy fabrics to make baby blankets, woman who already have children will buy fabric to make them cloths, and older woman will buy fabric to make quilts. 

4.Observational Studies

                Observational studies occur when the researcher does not interact with the environment, but instead merely observes it (Landrum, 2014). The goal of this type of qualitative research is to understand human behavior holistically (Landrum, 2014). Validity and reliability come into question with observational research as it may seem biased (Landrum, 2014). Also, these types of observations are difficult to replicate. It is important for researchers to remain objective during the observation process (Landrum, 2014).

 Experience

Last night I went to a young adult (ages 20-30) Bible study that met in a home along the bay with around fifty people. It started at 7pm.

Question

The first half hour of the Bible study consisted of time for everyone to mingle and chat. I observed and wanted to answer the question, “How many people came alone to the study?”

Analysis

Only seven people I witnessed came to the Bible Study alone. I wanted to answer this question because I contemplated coming to the group by myself but asked my friend to join me because I did not know it would be considered socially acceptable or if I would feel uncomfortable. From the seven people that came by themselves, they each found someone to talk to almost instantly. Four people that came with others stood by themselves during this time and did not socialize. I learned that the people that came by themselves almost had an easier time socializing because they did not have to worry about staying with whoever they came with.

Reference

Landrum, R. E. (2014). Research methods for business: Tools and applications. SanDiego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.