situation to develop what is called, your ˜gendered lens’. As part ofthis project you will be doing fieldwork. Fieldwork is a common
method of research used in ethnography and anthropology. Fieldwork is the place where you collect data for your research. The data is
something that can be measured or analysed. The data for this project is the phenomenon you are observing while doing the research. The
phenomenon you are asked to observe in this report is gender. The method used for data collection is observation. Observation is a type of
research method used by researchers to see phenomenon. If you want to learn more about this type of research, use library resources to
locate material on observational research or see the WebCT for the article for tips on howto use your observations, ˜Howto use
observations in a research project’.
Therefore, this ethnographic study has been designed so that you can observe subjects (people) you do
not know and make critical assumptions about the meaning oftheir gendered actions and behaviours.
This project will give you research
experience using all the methods listed above. You are asked to observe social behaviour and surroundings, ask questions about that
behaviour, compare that behaviour with previous studies and research, and develop your own understanding and conclusions about what you see.
Use the question belowto guide your research but feel free to extend on to this question if you wish.
0. How is gender and power reflected
in this social setting?
Choose one ofthe locations below for your observational analysis: § Restaurant
Cafe
Bistro
Pub
Bar
Sporting event (football/rugby are always great places to observe gender) § Recreational event
Please DO NOT use
your workplace as this raises issues of privacy and confidentiality!
Important Note:
Internet sites are NOT ACCEPTABLE for this assessment
do not use!!
EIIIEIEI2
The Field Research Process
Research based assignments have processes to follow which require you to perform tasks, in
a specific order. The following process or steps are commonly used in this type of research
project.
Step 1. First observation
Fieldwork
Once you have decided on the social setting you are going to observe, you can begin your research. You will need to observe the
social setting at least two times. During the observations you should take field notes while you observe. The field notes should document
what you see and what is happening while aiming to answerthe question.
When you are doing a specific type of observation that wants to
explore a specific phenomenon, it is important to look for indicators that highlight that phenomenon. In this case you are looking at
gender; therefore think about the things below using your ˜gendered lens’.
Step 2. Consult the academic literature
Following your first
field observation, you should now consult the other academic literature surrounding gender and society. You can access material for your
research from W library, ejournals, Databases from the library website, or from the list of resources at the back ofthis unit guide.
Please use the library visit to locate material for the project. Don’t miss out!
While doing the literature research think about these
things¦
Do your own observations match with what you have read in the research material?
Have you observed something
different? If it differs, how and why, and how can this be explained?
2.a Developing your ˜gendered lens’
You should be starting to
develop an understanding of how you can see gender and understand how gender is enacted in society. This will help cultivate what is called
your ˜gendered lens’. This will give you a new perspective while you are observing.
Step 3. Second and final observation
Visit the
setting for a second and final time. Whilst doing this finale observation, recall the research you have gathered from the literature and
attempt to view the situation through a more developed gendered lens. Write down your observations, howeverthis time develop more depth,
detail and complexity. The writing down of detailed notes is used in ethnography and is called, ˜thick description’. Always keep in mind
what you have explored in the literature.
Step 4. Research ethics
http://www.vu.edu.au/research/research-development/ethics-and-biosafety/human-research- ethics
All research must uphold the rights and
dignity ofparticipants or subjects in any study. Your research must take into consideration issues of privacy, confidentiality and other
sensitivities ofthe subjects you are observing, even though they do not know you are studying them. See the link above before writing a
brief description about the ethical issues and concerns. You can make straightforward statements about how you will address this. For
further information on human ethics, see this link: http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/guidelines/publications/e72
Step 1 “ Begin fieldwork “ first
observation Step 2 “ Consult the academic literature Step 3 “ Second observation
Step 4 “ Research ethics
Step 5 “ Final Stage “ Writing
Up
Eliéiiliéiiiiéiiiiéiiiiévil 3
Assessment 2 Continued¦
Step 5. Final Stage “ Writing Up
This assignment is called a research project and should be
presented in a specific style. It should be divided into clear parts. Follow the steps below in that order. Use the sub-headings as guides
for each section or you can develop your own sub- headings if you wish.
Follow the steps below in the same order: (Assessment checklist)
C1
Introduction (300 words): Use clear and academic language to explain what the research is about and what the
report includes.
13 Aim (100
words): Outline what your research project sets out to achieve. Describe what you aim to do.
1 Method (400 words): Explain the way in
which your research was carried out using descriptive language.
1 Results (1000 words): Detail your findings and analyse them. This is the
longest part of your report.
1 Conclusion (300 words): Drawtogether your findings and indicate whether you achieved your aim or not.
C]
Bibliography (Do not include in your word limit): Consult and reference/cite at least 5 academic texts in the body
of your report.
C1
Harvard referencing style -to be used for in-text referencing and the bibliography (see library website for
information).
1 Research
ethics (100): Discuss any ethical issues connected to your research, such as respecting and maintaining
the privacy and confidentiality of
the people you are observing. This section can be placed at the end of your report
afterthe bibliography.
1 Hand written notes from your
observations to be attached to the end ofthe report.
For successful completion ofthis assignment you must: (Assessment checklist)
13 Have
shown evidence of using ideas/terms from the readings and lectures to give substance to your writing
1 Use Harvard referencing in-text and
in the bibliography
1 Have at least six academic texts listed in the bibliography and used in your work
1 Have paid clear attention to
spelling, grammar, and syntax
1 Present the final document in a professional manner
1 See the rubric overthe page for an idea of how
the work will be assessed
1 Have a comprehensive set offield notes attached to the back ofthe report essay as an appendix
13 Have
produced a professional final report which answers the research question
