This assignment has two components.Please refer to information on coding and memoing in the Qualitative Data Analysis content guide, especially the article, “Memos and Memoing,” by Dr. Thomas Groenewald (March 14, 2010). The article discusses memoing to enhance credibility, qualitative data analysis purposes, in addition to offering a few hints or technical features for good memoing.:
Code your notes. As you review the field notes that you took during your observation in Module 4, look for patterns in your observations. Are there activities, objects, interactions that caught your attention? You can use these as your initial broad codes. Write a brief description of the codes you have identified. Quote portions of your field notes as you identify broad quotes.
Write a memo about your observation. There are many topics that you might consider for this memo. Did you face issues of reactivity or reflexivity? Did you observe something that you want to consider at a later date? Are you surprised about some of the trends that you observed?
Content guides uploaded
Text and required reading:
Babbie Chapters 7 (pp. 195-199), 10, 11 (pp. 332-343 and pp. 350-360), and 13
Please use and cite the above text. This is the only reference required
518342
11 hours ago
Observer:
Date: March 24th, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Hard Bean Coffee Shop
Field notes: To observe social interactions and behaviors, as well as technology usage, in a busy coffee shop setting.
Physical Setting: The café is portrayed as a small, but lively space decorated with various art pieces with the sweet aroma of freshly roasted coffee filling up the air.
Introduction:
This study will involve observing the social interactions of a coffee shop located on a busy main street. This lively coffee shop brings the village to life, attracting people from different parts of the town and providing a space in which people can interact with each other in a friendly atmosphere supported by the latest technology. This coffee shop reflects the milieu of human interactions, which are from animated conversations to intent solitary pursuits.
Social Environment and Interactions Participants
Group 1: Friends catching up sipping latte.
Group 2: College students engulfed in their studies.
Group 3: Couples or families enjoying sipping coffee and other snacks.
Group 4: Individuals seen with their laptops or books.
Observations:
Social interactions
Group 1 – Young professionals who are the representatives of contemporary society, looking forward as they nod their heads to each other’s remarks, speak eloquently, and maintain eye contact. One of the striking details in this group is that they talk in a way that suggests they belong to the same social circle or group of coworkers who relax together.
Group 2- Represents college students. Members of this group talk to each other either in a monotonous or secretive voice. Given the body language of this group, it is very clear that students are fully engaged in their studies, with frequent interruptions, which are, in most cases, characterized by short conversations or moments of shared laughter. These experiences bring together academic cooperation and personal bonding, demonstrating the diversity of social interactions in a coffee shop environment.
Group 3- Comprises of couples or families, shows opposite characteristics with caressing and kind words. Parents play with their children and together enjoy food and they create a warm environment. These exchanges depict the coffee shop as a community spot where family units can find relaxation and share happy memories.
Group 4- Represented by people using laptops or even reading, shows a form of interaction that is less social. Such people are generally immersed in their worlds, with barely any interaction with other people. Their presence adds a sense of solemnity to the frantic bustle, demonstrating how people vary in the ways of contact and social interaction in the public areas.
Environment Dynamics
The coffee shop’s environment is dynamic and is molded by the rise and fall of customers, the arrangement of the space, and the technology usage. The level of noise varies. There are peaks during the rush hours and lower levels of noise during non-busy moments. The background noise consists of speech, laughter, music, and the sound of the cafe staff which together form a lively atmosphere that helps set the coffee shop mood. The seating arrangement significantly contributes to the interaction among the people. The shop provides a mix of seating options like communal tables, comfortable booths, and single chairs varying depending on preferences and group sizes. The spacing supports both private conversations and group activities, and, as a result, people can select an area according to their social preferences. The technology is widespread with most customers using laptops, tablets or smartphones together with interaction. Technology also introduces an element of complexity in social interactions as it influences and changes the way people behave as well as communicate. Some individuals use technology mainly as a tool for socializing, sharing content or engaging in online conversations while being physically present in the coffee shop.
Impact on observations
The overwhelmingly hectic nature of the coffee shop makes it difficult to examine each unique interaction in great detail, as movements tend to be hurried, and conversations can be brief. Furthermore, the sound is at times loud enough to make the conversations inaudible and it is almost impossible to distinguish specific interactions specifically during the peak hours. The involvement of technology in the interactions of consumers adds one more level of complexity and leads to behavioral shifts and changes in the manner of communicating. People tend to shuttle data between their digital apparatus and real-life conversations, thereby multitasking on different channels. This pattern of social interactions may lead to shallower and less meaningful connections as the communicators are less focused or fully present. The coffee shop’s different seating options can also impact the making of the observations. Some of the places may give a good view to get access to the interactions, while others may be more hidden or less entertaining. The way the table and chairs are arranged can determine which group of people will develop social ties and what the conversation flow will be like.
Conclusion:
The social interfaces observed at the shop verify the role of coffee shops as a social platform where people from various backgrounds come together, exchange thoughts and forge moments of connection within the busy landscape. The unique and complex environment of the shop teaches us much about people and how we interact in society. Observing how people work out the crowded areas, deal with others and use technology in daily life can be very informative about contemporary urban life and how communication in public places has changed. The coffee shop may be located in a busy environment subject to technological distractions. Still, it provides a pleasant atmosphere for people to seclude themselves, relax, and embrace a sense of community.