Less structured methods of data collection (ethnography) Flashcards
Ethnography
understand the world as participants experience it
overt observation
no participation
complete participation
covert participation
complete/covert participation
go undercover
acts like other group members
does not disclose her research role
Participant observer (overt participant)
acts like other group members
discloses researcher role
complete observer
does not act like other group members
discloses researcher role
covert observer
does not act like other group members (does not interact)
observe clandestinely
Steps in conducting ethnography
choosing a topic and perspective
sampling
creating data
post-data collection
Choosing a topic and perspective
Topics:
community studies
subgroups (deviant, lack power)
Sampling in ethnography
selecting a case/s: purposive sampling (bc it is accessible, typical, extreme, important, or deviant)
Negotiating access
insider/outsider issues
gatekeepers
Creating data
observing/interacting with subjects
early interactions and challenges
neutrality vs “empathetic understanding”
building rapport
key informants
Producing data (making field notes)
direct and descriptive observations
(chronology, episodes and physical descriptions)
notes on notes (inferences, ideas, feelings, reactions, sociological analysis, methodological observations, reflexivity)
What to document
everything
be concrete
quoting vs paraphrased
record your actions
Post data collection
Leaving the field
saturation and/or a natural end
level of defending or member checking
Writing the ethnography
realist
confessional
advocacy tale
Issues to consider with ethnography
reactivity
insider/outside status
Less/sei- and unstructured interviews
Goal: develop comprehensive picture
learn about interrelated events/belief
systems rather than measure of a set of variables
