Conduct a 50-60 minute participant observation of an interaction with another person or in a public space where they are a minority member. You may observe a direct interaction with another person (e.g., family member, friend, significant other, colleague, peer, other); select a public place to overhear the social exchanges of others, or select a video documentary or interview.
Focus on identifying ONE observed social phenomenon from Myer Part Three Social Influence (Modules 12-21) and ONE observed social phenomenon from Myer Part Four Social Relations (Modules 22-31).
Written paper: Write a 2-3 page summary with APA text citations in standard, 12-point, Times New Roman font, double-spaced. Describe the participant observation generally. Identify and explain the social phenomenon in your own words. Using the observation as evidence, explain using direct quotes and description for why this fits this social phenomenon. Conclude with your own reflection of what the experience was like, how you felt during this activity, how it was to see the social phenomena happening “in real life,” how it compared to reading about it in the textbook and include ethical reasoning.
Field notes: Take raw hand-written field notes. Include direct quotes written down verbatim.
How to solve
ACCS Social Phenomena Observation
Introduction:
In this assignment, students are required to conduct a participant observation of an interaction with a minority member and identify two observed social phenomena from Myer Part Three Social Influence and Myer Part Four Social Relations. The purpose of this assignment is to gain a deeper understanding of these social phenomena by observing and analyzing real-life situations. Students will be expected to write a 2-3 page summary incorporating APA text citations, describe the participant observation, explain the social phenomena, provide evidence from the observation, reflect on their experience, and demonstrate ethical reasoning.
Answering the content:
For the participant observation, I would suggest observing a direct interaction between a healthcare provider and a patient who is a minority member, such as someone from an ethnic minority group or a patient with a disability. This interaction could take place in a clinical setting or during a patient consultation.
One observed social phenomenon that can be identified from Myer Part Three Social Influence is persuasion. During the observation, the healthcare provider may use various persuasive techniques to influence the patient’s behavior or decision-making process. This can be observed through the use of language, tone of voice, body language, and the presentation of information. For example, the healthcare provider may use positive reinforcement, appeals to emotions, or provide evidence-based information to persuade the patient to follow a recommended treatment plan.
In addition, from Myer Part Four Social Relations, the social phenomenon of prejudice and discrimination can be observed during the interaction. Prejudice and discrimination can manifest in subtle ways, such as the healthcare provider making assumptions or treating the patient differently based on their minority status. This can be observed through differential treatment, biased assumptions, or lack of cultural sensitivity. For example, the healthcare provider may unintentionally make assumptions about the patient’s cultural beliefs or preferences, leading to inadequate or less individualized care.
To support the identification of these social phenomena, the student can provide direct quotes from the observation that highlight the persuasive techniques used by the healthcare provider and instances where prejudice or discrimination may be evident. These direct quotes should be written down verbatim in the field notes, which will serve as a valuable resource for the paper.
In the conclusion of the paper, the student should reflect on their experience and emotions during the observation. They can discuss how it felt to witness these social phenomena happening in real life, contrasting it with reading about them in the textbook. The student can also critically analyze the ethical implications of the observed interactions, considering how the healthcare provider’s actions may impact the patient’s well-being and the fairness of the healthcare system as a whole.
Overall, this assignment provides an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge of social influence and social relations to real-life scenarios in the medical field. By conducting participant observations and critically reflecting on their experiences, students can deepen their understanding of these social phenomena and enhance their awareness of the importance of unbiased and culturally sensitive healthcare practices.
