People watching in San Antonio (Alamo, Alamo Heights: houses, restaurants, stores)

[infinity & beyond]

A number of you doubt the credibility of people watching in regards to establishing the culture or general attitudes, beliefs, or ideals of a general population. You think, how can observing people at grocery stores, restaurants, or malls in any way give insight into the true demographics of a community.

For the last three weeks, I've been actively people watching in San Antonio. I wanted to question the basis of my beliefs; to find out why I see the general population of this city the way I do and determine whether or not my personal beliefs were justified. After my scientific experiment, I can decisively state that my previous beliefs were accurate.

I went to the HEB in Olmos Park, the Central Market in Alamo Heights, the HEB at I-10 Dezevala, the HEB at Bandera 1604, and the HEB at South Presa. In all of these locations, I observed an astounding number of similarities between individuals at these diverse locations. I went for an hour each day, at different times during the day, and different days of the week.

Also, I checked out a number of coffee houses, restaurants, night spots, and malls, and astoungingly, noticed many of the same characteristics.

The one place I did notice some diversity was at La Cantera mall. However, it seems much of the sentiments that have been expressed by myself and others still hold true regarding the general population characteristics of San Antonio.

So, now you can't tell me that I'm just "making it up", because I have repeatable scientific data to back up my assertions.

[TXtrkgrl]

That is exactly what they are "your assertions". Scientific data ???? gimme a break

If I did the same thing I'm sure that I would see something totally different than what you see in people. Of course, I have much better things to do with my life than spend hours going to different stores doing "people watching".

Maybe you should take up fishing

[crystalblue]

while you were watching, did you notice if SA is really the fattest city in the country?

[Paka]

Trolls are REALLY hungry today.....

[TXtrkgrl]

Originally Posted by Paka

Trolls are REALLY hungry today.....

Yes they are!!

[urbsan]

that was a really cute attempt though ; )

[Bo]

OP needs to read up on the concept of a statistically significant, random sample. I don't
see how the sample described passes either of those tests.

[Paka]

Originally Posted by Bowie

OP needs to read up on the concept of a statistically significant, random sample. I don't
see how the sample described passes either of those tests.

Yea...something CONSTRUCTIVE to do with all that apparent spare time!

[sapphire]

Originally Posted by infinity & beyond

I wanted to ....find out why I see the general population of this city the way I do.

Because you see what you want to see?

[the_dimwit]

So, what was your statistical sample frame? What research did you do prior to selecting your locations? Can you provide some sort of gathering method other than "what you saw?"

Unless you actually talked with the people you watched in order to gain insight into to "the culture or general attitudes, beliefs, or ideals of a general population" then your time was wasted, I'm afraid.

Analysis of a population group based solely on personal impressions or opinion is a deeply flawed method. It comes down to how you and someone else may look at a glass of water. Half empty or half full?

--Dim