TY - JOUR
T1 - Nightlife human behavior
AU - Alam, Nafees
AU - O’Connell, Dawn
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
PY - 2024
Y1 - 2024
N2 - This study seeks to elucidate human behavior within nightlife environments. Given the limited research on social interactions in these settings, this qualitative covert participant observation study is designed to fill that gap. This research aims to collect, analyze, and disseminate data pertinent to nightlife behavior, laying the groundwork for future quantitative studies on this subject. The methodology employed involves qualitative covert participant observation as the design (n=unknown), wherein the researcher immerses themselves in the nightlife setting from October 12, 2022, to September 5, 2024, on a 3-year IRB-exempt qualitative research study (IRB # 041-SB22-134) that was cleared from October 12, 2022, to October 11, 2025 to gather data discreetly. This approach ensures that the identities of the research subjects remain unknown to the researcher, thereby minimizing the potential for bias and allowing for a more authentic representation of behaviors observed in these dynamic environments. The hypothesis tested was that a variety of behavioral trends will emerge in the nightlife scene, influenced by factors such as group size, alcohol consumption, and individual personality traits. Focusing on the intricacies of social interactions in nightlife contexts, this study aims to contribute valuable insights that can inform subsequent research and enhance our understanding of human behavior in these unique social settings. The interplay of individual behaviors and group dynamics within nightlife settings highlights the profound reality that, while the physical space remains constant, the evening transforms it into a distinctly different social environment. The theories discussed in this review, including Social Learning Theory and Cognitive Dissonance Theory, underscore how these dynamics influence social interactions and behaviors. Understanding these factors is essential for navigating the complexities of nightlife culture and fostering healthier social experiences. Thematic analysis of coded observational data was employed for data analysis. Results revealed that in nightlife environments, group size positively correlates with romantic initiation and confidence, while behavioral trends like exaggerated intoxication and varied treatment of staff highlight the complex interplay of alcohol influence, security presence, and individual personality traits.
AB - This study seeks to elucidate human behavior within nightlife environments. Given the limited research on social interactions in these settings, this qualitative covert participant observation study is designed to fill that gap. This research aims to collect, analyze, and disseminate data pertinent to nightlife behavior, laying the groundwork for future quantitative studies on this subject. The methodology employed involves qualitative covert participant observation as the design (n=unknown), wherein the researcher immerses themselves in the nightlife setting from October 12, 2022, to September 5, 2024, on a 3-year IRB-exempt qualitative research study (IRB # 041-SB22-134) that was cleared from October 12, 2022, to October 11, 2025 to gather data discreetly. This approach ensures that the identities of the research subjects remain unknown to the researcher, thereby minimizing the potential for bias and allowing for a more authentic representation of behaviors observed in these dynamic environments. The hypothesis tested was that a variety of behavioral trends will emerge in the nightlife scene, influenced by factors such as group size, alcohol consumption, and individual personality traits. Focusing on the intricacies of social interactions in nightlife contexts, this study aims to contribute valuable insights that can inform subsequent research and enhance our understanding of human behavior in these unique social settings. The interplay of individual behaviors and group dynamics within nightlife settings highlights the profound reality that, while the physical space remains constant, the evening transforms it into a distinctly different social environment. The theories discussed in this review, including Social Learning Theory and Cognitive Dissonance Theory, underscore how these dynamics influence social interactions and behaviors. Understanding these factors is essential for navigating the complexities of nightlife culture and fostering healthier social experiences. Thematic analysis of coded observational data was employed for data analysis. Results revealed that in nightlife environments, group size positively correlates with romantic initiation and confidence, while behavioral trends like exaggerated intoxication and varied treatment of staff highlight the complex interplay of alcohol influence, security presence, and individual personality traits.
KW - covert participant observation
KW - human behavior and the social environment
KW - Nightlife
KW - qualitative research
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85212952829&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/10911359.2024.2446824
DO - 10.1080/10911359.2024.2446824
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85212952829
SN - 1091-1359
JO - Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment
JF - Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment
ER -