The document provides instructions for a qualitative research observations paper assignment. Students are asked to observe public interactions for 1 hour, taking detailed notes, and then write a 3 page double-spaced reflective paper describing their observations. They should observe as if in a new country, providing rich sensory descriptions of what they see, hear, smell, and feel. Students are also asked to interview people to gain more context, but should focus only on observations and not include personal opinions. The paper will be graded based on the depth and analysis of observations, clear sourcing of information, organization, and adherence to APA format standards.

1. COUR
CJUS 750Observations Paper
One of the hallmarks of qualitative research is writing detailed
observations when collecting data. For this assignment, take a
notebook with you to a public setting where social interaction
takes place (restaurant, public library, public park, shopping
mall, airport, etc.). Observe for an hour, then write up your
notes into a descriptive vignette, looking for patterns in events
and actions. Observe as though you are a stranger in a new
country, trying to make sense of the action around you.
Describe how things look, smell, sound, feel, etc. Be as
descriptive as possible. Write up your observations into a
vignette with the intention of having readers feel as though they
are in the environment you choose to observe. Do not be shy to
talk to people and ask what they are doing for more
information. REMEMBER to concentrate on observing the
context only (NO PERSONAL OPINIONS)! This paper should
be no longer than 3 pages double-spaced. There is going to be
follow-up with this assignment in Module 8.
Assignment Specifics:
· Student will write a 3 double-spaced reflective paper.
· Citations from any of the required reading/presentations from
the assigned module
· APA format
This assignment is due on Sunday evening at 11:59 pm EST of
Module 5
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2. CJUS 750
Observations Paper Rubric Proposed
Criteria
Levels of Achievement
Content
(70%)
Advanced
92-100%
Proficient
84-91%
Developing
1-83%
Not Present
Total
Includes and Identifies Observations, Analysis and
Interpretation
27.5 to 30 points
Paper contains continuous, detailed, independent observations
of the natural world that support rigorous analysis and
sophisticated interpretation. Text clearly separates observation
from analysis and interpretation.
24.5 to 27.25 points
Paper contains infrequent independent observations; analysis
and/or interpretations present but not detailed.
1 to 24.25 points
Independent observations lacking; little analysis or
interpretation of natural world present.
0 points
Not present
Identifies Source of the Above Information
27.5 to 30 points
· Cleary identifies source of information for all entries
(reference books, previous lectures, independent observations,

3. etc)
· Citations from the required reading/ presentations from the
assigned module are thoughtful and appropriate
24.5 to 27.25 points
· Intermittently identifies source.
· Citations from the required reading/ presentations from the
assigned module are adequate
1 to 24.25 points
· Rarely or never identifies source.
· Citations from the required reading/ presentations from the
assigned module are lacking
0 points
Not present
Organization
9.5 to 10 points
Clearly identifies location of observation.
7.5 to 9.25 points:
Organization generally clear, a few entries ambiguous or
observations mislabeled.
1 to 7.25 points:
Consistent lack of organization, missing page numbers.
0 points
Not present
Structure (30%)
Advanced
92-100%
Proficient
84-91%
Developing
1-83%
Not Present
Total
Format
13.5 to 15 points:

4. · Maintains high standard of formatting including minimum data
for each entry throughout the paper.
· No more than 3 double-spaced pages of content.
12.5 to 13.25 points:
· Inconsistent standard.
· 1 page more or less than the required length.
1 to 12.25 points:
· Format lacking.
· More than 1 page more or less than the required length.
0 points
Not present
Spelling and Grammar
13.5 to 15 points:
No spelling and/or grammar mistakes.
12.5 to 13.25 points:
Minimal spelling and/or grammar mistakes
1 to 12.25 points:
Noticeable spelling and grammar mistakes.
0 points
Not present
Professor Comments:
Total:
100