Divide the class into small groups. Each group is to come up with a detailed mock proposal for a structured observation study that involves gaining access to a specific location, group, or organization, for example, a mental hospital, school playground, casino, and so on. The proposal must include a discussion of the following:

a. A specific research question that the study seeks to answer, a draft of which is to be produced.

b. Whether the research will be overt or covert, and the ethical implications of that aspect of the study.

c. How access to the location, group, or organization will be acquired.

d. The formal observation schedule that is to be used, a draft of which is to be produced, along with an explanation of how it is to be administered and how issues of reliability and validity will be taken into account.

e. What findings are expected from the study.

Each group presents its mock proposal to the rest of the class for comment and critique.