objective observation

I chose to observe the Law School at St. Thomas University. I chose this place because I knew it would most likely satisfy all, if not most, of the 5 senses.

At the beginning I sat with Alexis in the northern tables of the Law school courtyard. Towards the end, I walked around to see if the different angles would alter my view of the environment I found myself in.

I was conducting and objective observation and remained as unnoticed as I could. I believe it's important to first observe subjects in their natural environment, without involvement from the researcher. This way you can understand how they behave naturally and then, once you perform and involved observation, the changes and affect of your intervention is more apparent.

Originally I planned to use my phone as a means of recording my observations. Primary for convenience, because I didn't have a pen or paper on me. But, most importantly, it would contribute to my objective observation because I could pretend to be text messaging and thus go unnoticed more easily. But, since Kevin provided me with a pen and paper, I used those.

I recorded my notes in bullets, with numbers as introduction (1. sight 2. smell 3. taste 4. hearing 5. touch).

The first thing i focused on was the environment. The courtyard consisted of multiple tables and chairs. In the middle, was a big plant that rose towards the second floor (which was visible in the middle of the courtyard). Flags surrounded this space in the center, representing multiple countries. The surrounding offices had glass separating their interiors from the courtyard, hence they were easily visible to the students there. These consisted of: the law school library, the cafeteria and the student center. The stairs were visible. Two hallways led to hidden bathrooms and later to classrooms. There was a long table where 3 ladies with laptops sat, the sign on the table read "BLSA Student Organization". There were also posters on the walls reading "Vote for... for Secretary" and so on. A banner read "Summer in Spain program". The set up of the courtyard provides two exits, producing the vacuum air effect (ventilation). On both ends of the couryard (as well as within) nature in emphasized; plants, trees, bushes (the color purple within the scenery).

There were few people present at the courtyard yet, despite their engagement, they were all really scattered. No two groups were sitting close together. One group consisted of four people actively engaged in a casual conversation. They were discussing the "fault in law..". One seldomly interrupted the other and, when this occurred, the former resigned. Two men were standing towards one end of the law school and in the other was a man smoking while texting.

The smell consisted of the law school bakery.