User:Cecebuck/sandbox

People Watching
People watching is often an activity that people can do for fun to pass time and make first impressions. Anyone can people watch, but it works best in a crowded, populated area. It is done to gain a first impression or simply to pass the time. Some key things to do are to eavesdrop and watch body language. Many writers and storytellers get inspiration through people watching.

How to People Watch
People watching is an activity best practiced in a crowded place. Many times, it is beneficial to take a seat where you are in the middle of things. You must remember to remain unbiased. If you are making harsh judgments, you cannot concentrate on what you’re really seeing. Some good places to people watch are restaurants, airports, sporting events, hospitals, and shopping malls. You can tell a lot about a person by just sitting and watching by observing their facial expressions and body language. Listening to what they are saying, also known as eavesdropping, is also beneficial in people watching to further understand the person.

Uses for People Watching
Many authors use people watching as inspiration for characters in their books and stories. Seeing people on the street or in a restaurant and eavesdropping on what they are saying can be extremely informative and inspirational for a person who is trying to create a new story. It can also be used just for fun and relaxation.

Naturalistic Observation
People watching is not to be confused with naturalistic observation. Naturalistic Observation is used for scientific purposes. It uses the same techniques as people watching. The key is to not let anyone know that you’re observing him or her. People are in their natural environment, so there is no pressure for them to behave a certain way, as they would feel if they knew they were being studied. Scientists often are fond of this method because people are acting naturally and not acting how they are expected to act.