Research Paper

1. Research PaperSOC 110Denise R Rose The reactions when you greet strangers. Breaking the norm.

2. I completed my research assignment at Wal-Mart in Columbia, KY. I stood next to the roses/Valentine section in Wal-Mart, approached 10 males and 10 females, offered to shake their hand and say hello. The research topic that I chose was hard for me, because I am a quiet person. When out in public I may smile as I pass someone but never stop and strike a conversation when I don’t know them. This assignment was interesting and I enjoyed it once completed. I completed my assignment on Saturday, February 13, 2010 from 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm.

3. MALES All ages are estimated.

4. FEMALES All ages are estimated.

5. Conclusion: I stood in the Valentine section close to the roses, I first began watching as a few people entered looking for a gift for that special someone. Then I watched for males, as they entered I would approach them hold out my hand offering to shake it and say hello. As you can see from the chart the older males were more accepting of these friendly gestures. The females did not respond to the hand shaking as well. I feel being Valentine’s weekend and placing myself in that section was the reason I received more of a response. Normally I feel most people would have just turned and walked away. Not acknowledging that a stranger was wanting to shake their hand. I think most people automatically pass someone and will greet them with a smile or say hey, but to stop and want to shake their hand caused a scene. This gesture is common in certain religious groups but not a habit in everyone's daily life. Males 6 out of 10 shook my hand and said hello, 2 only replied with a hello, 2 did not respond at all. Females 4 out of 10 shook my hand and said hello, 4 only replied with a hello, and 2 did not respond to either one.