These observations are used as data from which to generalize principles and patterns of social behavior, and to test some of the ideas and sociological concepts presented and provided by the course text. The main objective for using writing is for individuals to document on paper the descriptions of their own behaviors and the behavior they observe going on around them. As social scientists we are trying to produce data from which to generalize scientific principles. With the first essay, the goal is accuracy. For example, students may analyze and discuss the meeting events and collective behavior of the people as patterned or unpatterned, transitory or spontaneous.
Students turn in rough drafts for instructor comments.
The instructor may also note ways in which students can further observe. The goal of this assignment is to introduce students to sociological ways of collecting and analyzing data. Students learn to document others' and their own experiences and behavior accurately, completely, and clearly, thus practicing sociological techniques and ways of thinking applicable in advanced courses and research. This reinforces theories learned from the text through the application of theories to concrete data. It also allows them to practice writing.