Introduction to Sociology

Step 1: Conducting the Experiment This exercise requires that you go to a relatively busy public space (a mall, square, plaza, street corner, park, sidewalk, etc.) and literally do nothing for ten minutes. That means just stand there and be unoccupied. Don't be waiting for someone, taking a break, sightseeing, or otherwise engaged in a normal kind of activity. When people observe you, they should be able to immediately classify your behavior as appropriate for the scene. Also don't daydream, fantasize, think about the past or the future; don't entertain yourself with plans or internal dialogues. Don't whistle, hum, fidget, look in your purse, play with your keys, take notes, or anything else that might distract you from just being there and doing nothing. Do, however, observe the reactions of others to you, and pay attention to your own thoughts and feelings during these ten minutes. Step 2: Thinking and Writing About the Experience After conducting the experiment, write an essay (casual in tone and written in the first person) describing the experience and its meaning to Describe other peoples reactions and your own thoughts in as much detail as possible.        

Sample Solution