Rodger Williams

February 8, 2018

Ethnography is ‘the art and science of describing a group and its culture.’1 DePoy further
defines ethnography as being able to describe the groups characteristics and culture by becoming
a member of that culture. To immerse one’s self into the environment will enable one to
experience first-hand what the basics of the culture are.2
I first thought of conducting my observations at Lambert St. Louis International airport. After
thinking about the idea in my head, I eventually came to the realization that an airport would not
be a good environment to study. First, I would have limited access to do the observations. At
the ticket counter most people would be at a state of frenzy because of the check-in procedures
and not be willing to take the time to answer several simple questions. The second area that I
would have access to travelers would be at the baggage claim area. Again, people would be tired
from their travel activities and would not want to spend any additional time answering questions.
Their goal would be to get to their next/final destination. My third location at the airport would
be the pre-boarding area. I thought that people would be willing to take time to answer questions
and a great place to observe behaviors, but getting through TSA (Transportation Security
Administration) impossible.
I therefore thought of moving observation activities to a local YMCA (Young Men’s Christian
Association). People would be in a relaxed atmosphere and be willing to spend a few minutes
answering a few questions about their reasons for belonging to a fitness facility like the ‘Y’ as
opposed to a Planet Fitness or a Gold’s Gym.
Questions that I would like to ask would be as follows:
1. Why choose this type of health facility? (Body, Mind & Sprit)3
2. What values (moral) do you seek by belonging to this facility?
3. What programs are available for you to participate in?
4. Do you belong as a family or single person status?
To be able to fully engage in people and their behavior could lead to solid information regarding
research data collection. Choosing the right environment which is conducive good data
collection and the ability to observe the cultures in their natural state would be important to reach
valuable conclusions.