Non-participant observation
6/29/13
The
cafeteria is a busy location. Finding a time with enough patrons that would
allow me to watch unnoticed but without so many present that it became
impossible to maintain anonymity was a true challenge. I went through the
cafeteria on several occasions to do this and on each trip, I was stopped and
drawn into conversation at least once. I chose the location for its traffic,
its accessibility and for its natural beauty. Novak and Richardson point out
that “ninety-five percent of all individuals who are asked how to alleviate a
stressful situation respond that they are most comforted and soothed by being
outdoors” in their discussion on design for healthcare environments (Novak & Richardson, 2013) . Prior to this
assignment, I had observed how many of us gravitated there outside of meal
times. I find that I feel contented and peaceful here, but also stimulated to
think clearly and creatively. It does have a remarkable view and the photos
I attached to my posting are a very poor indication of how much grandeur there
is right through the glass. Because of this, I made a real effort to sit or
stand far enough back that I could not hear what was being said at the tables
but close enough that I could clearly see expressions. I wanted to exercise my
observation skills with only visual cues, since I was interested in the theme
of viewing, how the physical view from the cafeteria windows and the inner view
of the ill and the concerned complemented each other. This theme seemed very
appropriate for a hospital location, where reflection is common. It was
difficult to keep to only what I could reasonably infer without letting my
imagination add on. Without words to guide me, I had body language and facial
expressions to tell me what was being thought or felt by the people I observed.
If I did this again, and over a longer
period, I would like to ask the people I observed it they found any consolation
from their worries from the setting.
References
Novak, C., & Richardson, B. (2013). Functional
color and design in healthcare environments. Retrieved from Architectural
Record: http://continuingeducation.construction.com/crs.php?L=222&C=928
Note.
From “Observation techniques” by Cenca.org, 2009, retrieved from http://www.cemca.org/books/chap11.htm
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