This approach will help you understand the methods that are used by groups and organizations. Ultimately, a sociologist is looking for patterns of these methods to determine how a society operates. You can utilize this approach to gain an understanding in a new situation such as a clinical placement. Think of yourself as an outsider looking at a new group of people in order to determine their unique practices. Imagine joining a new unit or team at work and your goal is to observe and examine their rites and rituals. Of course you want to observe and learn all of the formal rules, protocols, techniques, and procedures that are employed by the members. Most of these will be written and communicated in orientation or verbally through a supervisor or mentor. There are informal rules to observe as well. How does the staff interact with each other? Is there a strict hierarchy in communication? Is autonomy and independent thinking encouraged or does the unit operate more as a team. How is patient safety and quality of care monitored? What is the jargon and lingo that is used by the staff? You would want to observe whether the nurses address physicians by their first name or always by the more formal use of “Doctor.” Unfortunately, you will not have the luxury of spending weeks conducting participant observation on your first job, but you will be utilizing these techniques to acclimate to your new position. The key is to know what you are looking for and being able to identify the methods by which the clinic or hospital operates.