Unobtrusive Methods: Physical Traces Paper For this assignment, you will be using physical traces as a research method to investigate a social phenomenon in your university or school. Physical traces are a type of unobtrusive measure that involve the analysis of observable traces of behavior, such as wear and tear on a footpath, to infer patterns of behavior or attitudes of people. By conducting this research, you will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the application of physical traces as a research method, and the advantages and limitations of this method. Instructions: Choose a social phenomenon to investigate that can be observed through physical traces in your university or school. Some examples could include: student traffic patterns in the library, cafeteria, or residence halls; or patterns of waste disposal in different buildings on campus. Identify the physical traces that will be used to analyze the social phenomenon. For example, for student traffic patterns in the library, the physical trace could be the wear and tear on the carpets or floor tiles. Conduct a literature review on the topic of your research. The literature review should provide background information on the social phenomenon you are investigating, and summarize previous research on the topic, particularly using physical traces as a research method. Develop a research question or hypothesis for your study. Design and carry out a study to collect physical trace data. Analyze the physical trace data you collected and use it to draw conclusions related to your research question or hypothesis. Write a short research paper summarizing your study. The paper should include an introduction that provides a rationale for the research, a literature review, a statement of the problem, a description of the methods used. Example of Physical Traces at a University: Wear and Tear on Staircases One example of a physical trace that can be observed at a university or school is the wear and tear on staircases. Over time, the heavy foot traffic of students and faculty members can cause visible wear and tear on the steps and handrails of staircases, indicating the routes that people take to get to their destination. This physical trace could be used to investigate traffic patterns in different buildings, and to identify areas where the traffic is heavier or lighter. For example, a study could compare the wear and tear on staircases in different academic buildings on campus, and draw conclusions about the popularity of different majors or programs. Format Rationale Short Literature Review Statement of the Problem Methods A rationale is a brief explanation of why a particular research question or problem is worth studying. It provides a justification for why the research is important and highlights the potential benefits of the study. An overview of existing research on the topic of the study. It provides a summary of previous studies, identifies gaps in the literature, and highlights areas where further research is needed clear and concise description of the research problem or question that the study aims to address. It provides a focused and specific research question or hypothesis that the study seeks to answer procedures and techniques that will be used to collect and analyze data for the study. It outlines the sample size, data collection methods, data analysis methods, and statistical procedures that will be used to test the research hypothesis or answer the research question