Spend 15 minutes observing face-to-face interaction in a public setting (e.g., campus cafeteria, church, coffee shop, library) and take detailed notes about what you are observing. Organize your notes and write a paper as follows:
(a) Briefly describe the setting you observed and identify the social roles (e.g. the hungry/disinterested customer, the loyal friend, the dutiful/sullen daughter) of the social actors you observed.
(b) Describe how the performance of each social role observed was executed (e.g., What script did the actors follow? What props were part of the interaction? What non-verbal signs were communicated during the interaction? What miscues did you observe?)
(c) Identify whether the performances you observed could be classified as "front-stage behavior" or "back-stage behavior," and/or showed elements of both. Explain the reasons for your classification.

Question

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The Answer is The setting I observed was a campus cafeteria during lunchtime. The social roles I identified included the busy student trying to grab a quick meal, the chatty group of friends catching up, the cafeteria staff serving food, and the lone student studying while eating.

The performance of the busy student was executed by quickly grabbing a pre-made sandwich and drink, paying at the cashier, and then rushing off to find a seat. The script followed was to efficiently get food and eat as quickly as possible. The props involved were the food items and the tray. Non-verbal signs included a hurried and focused demeanor, and the miscues observed were dropping a napkin and quickly picking it up.

The chatty group of friends executed their social role by engaging in lively conversation, laughing, and sharing food. The script followed was to enjoy each other's company and catch up on each other's lives. The props involved were the food they were sharing and their body language. Non-verbal signs included smiling, nodding, and gesturing. No miscues were observed in this interaction.

The cafeteria staff executed their role by efficiently serving food, taking orders, and cleaning tables. The script followed was to provide good customer service and keep the cafeteria running smoothly. The props involved were the food items, trays, and cleaning supplies. Non-verbal signs included smiling, nodding, and quick movements. No miscues were observed in this interaction.

The lone student studying while eating executed their role by focusing on their books and occasionally taking a bite of food. The script followed was to multitask and make the most of their time. The props involved were the books and food. Non-verbal signs included a concentrated expression and occasional glances around the room. No miscues were observed in this interaction.

The performances I observed could be classified as both "front-stage behavior" and "back-stage behavior." The busy student and the cafeteria staff exhibited front-stage behavior, as they were directly engaging with others and performing their roles in a public setting. The chatty group of friends and the lone student studying exhibited back-stage behavior, as they were more focused on their own interactions and activities rather than actively engaging with others in the public setting.

Spend 15 Minutes Observing Face-To-Face Interaction in a Public Setting