This is a 3 page paper. The first writing assignment in this class asks you to complete qualitative research by observing a communication episode in an interpersonal context. This episode could take many forms: a conversation between strangers or acquaintances; an interaction among close friends; communication over dinner between members of family; or even friendly conversation between two or more co-workers. 

In your research, you will assume the role of aparticipant observer, or a researcher who enters a scene with an explicit researcher status and a clear agenda of which data to gather in the scene. You will then analyze this episode in light of one of the intrapersonal or interpersonaltheories we discuss in this class. This writing assignment requires you to: 

• Brainstorm an idea for paper (what theory to use, what episode or communication interaction to observe). 

• Observe an episode of interpersonal communication between two or more people and record field notes (your field notes will be submitted on Canvas). 
• Develop a research question about interpersonal interactions that is grounded in your chosen communication theories (see for some tips in writing your research question).

• Address the research question by using one or two of the theories we have covered in class. If you are using two theories, make sure they complement one another. Theories appropriate for this paper include:
  • Symbolic Interaction Theory
  • Cognitive Dissonance Theory
  • Expectancy Violations Theory
  • Uncertainty Reduction Theory
  • Social Penetration Theory

• Find, select, and synthesize information from at least 1 peer-reviewed scholarly journal article (not a book chapter or a book) and integrate the ideas to your paper.  
  • Note: This source must be from a peer-review scholarly journal. It mustfeature empirical research and be published after 2005.

• Develop a 3-4 page paper analyzing your observations and integrating the scholarly research you conducted. You will turn in evidence of data collection (at least 2 pages of observational notes) 

Focus on writing: You will demonstrate good writing skills by including these elements in your paper:

• Introductory paragraph
• Clear thesis statement
• Topic sentences for each paragraph
• Transitions between paragraphs
• Strong arguments developed in each paragraph
• An appropriate conclusion. 

Critical Thinking and Analysis: You will demonstrate critical thinking skills by:

• Stating your findings
• Giving reasons to support your findings based on previous research
• Explaining the limitations of your findings
• Critically comparing different points of view on your findings
• Developing strong arguments
• Drawing an appropriate conclusion regarding your observations, the research question you asked, and the theory(ies) you explored in the paper.

Submission Formatting:

All papers should use appropriate vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, and spelling. All assignments should be written using the American Psychological Association 7th Edition style guide for citations and references. Papers should include:

• 12-point, Times New Roman (or similar) font
• 1-inch margins on all document sides
• Double-spacing
• Appropriate headings and subheadings
• Use appropriate vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.