Observation as a variable form of data collection

In Chapter 8 we are introduced to observation as a viable form of data collection. The six major learning objectives for the chapter are designed to familiarize you with the major types and procedures for data gathering through observation and provide students with a set of guidelines that allow you to implement a research study using observation as a primary method.
This assignment is going to put the chapter methodology to the test!

The final product will be a paper that is:
 2 – 3 double-spaced, APA formatted pages; and
a. Includes at least two (2) references to this week’s materials.
 A spreadsheet as noted in the requirements section below.

The requirements for your assignment are:
 First, find your appetite!
 Prepare an observation checklist and tally sheet before you address below.
o Ensure you call out the operational definitions for what you are going to observe.
 Using the personal descriptors from Chapter 8 under the “Data Collection” section, create a spreadsheet listing the who, what, when, how and where of your experiment.
 Next, visit a fast food restaurant, such as McDonald’s or Burger King. For 30 minutes, simply observe patrons as they enter the store, place an order, and consume their meals. Based on this observation, answer the following questions:
 What did most consumers sample first: fries, drink, or other?
 Did most consumers start eating after sitting at a table or before?  How many consumers used ketchup with their fries?
 How many consumers got a drink refill?
 How many consumers received an incorrect order?
 Did consumers visit the rest room? Before ordering or after?
 How long did the ordering process take (from entering door and approaching counter to paying for order and receiving food?
 How long did the consumption process take (from receipt of order to departure from restaurant)?
 How many total consumers were observed?
 Remember!: There should be no interaction between you (the observer) and your “participants”. Perhaps order something yourself and choose a seat in the restaurant where you can observe and take notes?
 Lastly, how would this data help that restaurant improve sales?