What Are Some Ethnographic Methods?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Ethnographic methods are qualitative, inductive, exploratory and longitudinal . They achieve a thick, rich description over a relatively small area.

What are the methods for ethnographic observation?

Ethnography methods include direct observation, diary studies, video recordings, photography and artefact analysis such as devices that a person uses throughout the day. Observations can be made anywhere from the user’s workplace, their home or while they are out with family and friends.

What are ethnographic methods in psychology?

Ethnographic research is a qualitative method where researchers observe and/or interact with a study’s participants in their real-life environment . ... The aim of an ethnographic study within a usability project is to get ‘under the skin’ of a design problem (and all its associated issues).

What is the most common ethnographic approach?

Ethnography is an extremely broad area with a great variety of practitioners and methods. However, the most common ethnographic approach is participant observation as a part of field research. The ethnographer becomes immersed in the culture as an active participant and records extensive field notes.

What are examples of ethnographic methods?

  • Observing a group of children playing. ...
  • Observing employees in a corporate office. ...
  • Observing medical personnel in a high-volume hospital. ...
  • Observing an indigenous village. ...
  • Observing a high school classroom. ...
  • Observing motorcycle riders.

Where is ethnography used?

It is used not only to study distant or unfamiliar cultures, but also to study specific communities within the researcher’s own society . For example, ethnographic research (sometimes called participant observation) has been used to investigate gangs, football fans, call center workers, and police officers.

What is the weakness of ethnography?

Ethnographic research has several disadvantages to consider as well. Ethnography is time consuming and requires a well-trained researcher. It takes time to build trust with informants in order to facilitate full and honest discourse . Short-term studies are at a particular disadvantage in this regard.

How do you write an ethnographic description?

  1. A thesis. The thesis establishes the central theme and message of your research study. ...
  2. Literature Review. A literature review is an analysis of previous research now on your research topic. ...
  3. Data Collection. ...
  4. Data Analysis. ...
  5. Reflexivity.

What is the study of ethnography?

Ethnography, simply stated, is the study of people in their own environment through the use of methods such as participant observation and face-to-face interviewing . ... Classic ethnographic research involves a detailed description of the whole of a culture outside of the country of origin of the researcher.

How do you collect data from the ethnography design?

Data are typically recorded through observational field notes , which allow the collection of relatively concrete descriptions of the setting and the activity or whatever is considered suitable and useful. Ethnographers typically then employ other methods, often interviews, and develop further methods over time.

Is ethnography qualitative or quantitative?

Ethnography is a type of qualitative research that gathers observations, interviews and documentary data to produce detailed and comprehensive accounts of different social phenomena.

What is one limitation of the ethnographic method?

Another limitation of ethnographic research is that it is usually a field study from a particular setting so that the result might only be applicable for that single setting. Therefore, it is difficult to generalize the findings of the ethnographic research.

What are the benefits of ethnography?

  • Marketers Get a More Realistic Picture. ...
  • Uncovers Extremely Valuable Insight. ...
  • Pinpoint Business Needs & Make Accurate Predictions. ...
  • Extended Observations. ...
  • Higher Scope of Available Data. ...
  • Ethnography Requires Time. ...
  • Creating a Normal Environment Isn’t Always Easy. ...
  • It’s More Difficult to Recruit.

What questions does ethnography answer?

  • What do you enjoy about this product or service?
  • Why do you use this product?
  • What specific needs does the product meet for you?
  • What specific needs does the product fail to meet?
  • Does the pricing of the product equate its value?

What are the 5 methods of research?

  • Experiments. ...
  • Surveys. ...
  • Questionnaires. ...
  • Interviews. ...
  • Case studies. ...
  • Participant and non-participant observation. ...
  • Observational trials. ...
  • Studies using the Delphi method.

What is the method of phenomenology?

The phenomenological method aims to describe, understand and interpret the meanings of experiences of human life . It focuses on research questions such as what it is like to experience a particular situation. ... Phenomenology has roots in both philosophy and psychology.

Amira Khan
Author
Amira Khan
Amira Khan is a philosopher and scholar of religion with a Ph.D. in philosophy and theology. Amira's expertise includes the history of philosophy and religion, ethics, and the philosophy of science. She is passionate about helping readers navigate complex philosophical and religious concepts in a clear and accessible way.