Challenge: Taking good observational notes

(cymbal swell)…- One of the most effective skills you can have…as a researcher is the ability to take effective…observational notes.…In this challenge, you'll practice writing good…observational notes.…To do this, you'll need to go to a grocery store…and observe people shopping.…Your observation should help you to better…understand how the layout of a store and product placement…influences what people purchase.…Let's talk about that first objective.…Taking good descriptive notes helps to identify…not only what you see, but also why it might be happening.…

So when taking descriptive notes,…describe everything around you in great detail.…Even smells and sounds can lead to an important insight.…For instance, pay attention to what people use…when they're shopping.…Are they using a shopping cart,…a basket, or a bag?…Are they shopping alone or with someone else?…Do they have a list? Coupons?…Did they buy any ready made food,…and if so, was it because it smelled good?…Simply put, write down everything that you can…possibly see, even if it seems irrelevant.…