Observational Guide

Sample Solution

Observational Guide: Social Media Use Among Teenagers in After-School Programs

Central Guiding Research Question:

How do teenagers in after-school programs utilize social media platforms in the program setting, and how do these practices impact their engagement with program activities?

Target Group and Setting:

• Teenagers (ages 13-18) attending a local after-school program (name of program)
• Observation will take place in the common area and designated computer lab within the program facility.

Investigator's Relationship to the Program:

• An independent researcher with no prior connection to the program or participants. Permission will be obtained from program staff and informed consent will be acquired from participants.

Available Sources of Data:

• Social Actions:
  • Observe how teenagers use social media platforms on their personal devices during program hours.
  • Observe interactions between teenagers regarding social media use.
  • Observe program staff interactions with teenagers regarding social media use (if applicable).

Full Answer Section

• Talk:
  • Overhear incidental conversations about social media use among teenagers.
  • Conduct brief, informal conversations with consenting teenagers about their social media habits within the program setting.
• Archival Records: (Limited in this case)
  • Review program policies on technology use to understand any existing regulations related to social media.

Anticipated Puzzlements and Jottings:

• Are there specific social media platforms more popular than others in this setting?
• Do teenagers use social media to connect with program activities or primarily for personal reasons?
• How does social media use seem to affect teenagers' focus and participation in program activities?
• Are there any instances of cyberbullying or inappropriate content observed? (Note: Maintain confidentiality)

Specific Observations:

1. Frequency and Duration of Social Media Use: Observe how often teenagers take out their devices and for how long they engage with social media platforms during program activities.
2. Types of Social Media Activity: Observe the types of activities teenagers engage in on social media (scrolling, messaging, posting, etc.).
3. Impact on Program Engagement: Observe any instances where social media use seems to distract teenagers from program activities or hinder their participation.

Main Questions for Conversations (with Probes):

1. Social Media Habits:
   • Can you tell me a little bit about how you typically use social media?
     • Probe: How often do you check social media in a day? What platforms do you use the most?
2. Social Media Use in the Program:
   • Do you ever use social media while you're at the after-school program?
     • Probe: If so, for what purposes? Does it affect your participation in program activities?
3. Perceptions of Program Policy:
   • Are you aware of any rules regarding technology use in the program?
     • Probe: How do you feel about these rules, if any? Do they seem reasonable?

Archival Records:

• Review the program handbook or website for any policies regarding technology use, specifically mentioning social media.

Recording Field Notes:

• Date, time, and location of observations.
• Detailed descriptions of observed behaviors, interactions, and conversations.
• Non-verbal cues and overall atmosphere.
• Jottings and questions arising during observations.
• Notes taken during brief conversations will be recorded separately, ensuring participant anonymity.

Analysis Model:

• Thematic analysis will be used to identify recurring themes and patterns in the observational data.
• Notes will be coded based on themes related to social media usage, program engagement, and interactions with technology.
• Quantitative data (frequency and duration of social media use) will be analyzed descriptively.

Presentation of Observational Results:

• A written report will be drafted outlining the research question, methodology, and key findings.
• The report will include observational data categorized by themes, supported by quotes from conversations (with anonymity preserved).
• Quantitative data will be presented in tables or charts.
• The report will conclude with a discussion of the implications for program design and strategies to manage social media use in a way that optimizes program engagement.

Methodologist Cited:

• Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in qualitative research. Qualitative research in psychology, 3(2), 77-101.