A participant observation project can result in taking away several observations from simply watching an area for a given amount of time. Take a sheet of paper and pen to a place where you can take notes for 1 to 2 hours without being disturbed. Take notes for the allotted time. Draw simple pictures to help remember the setting. Note if there are any norms violations, dominant personalities, status symbols or groups. After taking notes, analyze the notes and create a report with observations and conclusions.
Social norms are the unwritten rules of society. Expectations such as waiting your turn in line, washing your hands after using the restroom or wearing proper attire are rules that society expects individuals to comply with. Strange looks, comments or even confrontation are examples of negative social sanctions that are reactions for breaking a social norm. One sociology project idea is to purposefully break a social norm and observe the reactions. Be cautious with the norm you violate, because breaking a law can have serious ramifications. Gather data and format a report to summarize the project.
Folkways are tales that groups tell to imprint a cultural value on members of the community. Research a traditional folktale and analyze what lesson the story aims to teach. Within the report, describe how the characters' actions have parallels or implications to society. Draw larger conclusions about some of the challenges a society may face based on the story and message within the folklore.
Three primary sociological perspectives exist: conflict theorist, symbolic interaction and functionalist. Using one of these three perspectives, analyze a movie from the premise of a sociological perspective. Certain movies lend themselves naturally to a particular perspective, but other movies are open to a variety of interpretations. Taking notes while watching the movie will streamline the process of writing the essay. Once the notes from the movie are organized, begin a report on the sociological perspective within the movie.