Ethnography

Ethnography What is ethnography? http://vimeo.com/3248398

Ethnography What is ethnography? Ethnography is a form of research focused on the qualitative properties of observation.

Ethnography What is ethnography? Ethnography is a form of research focused on the qualitative properties of observation. Subjective and less focused on numbers and statistics.

Ethnography What is ethnography? Ethnography is a form of research focused on the qualitative properties of observation. Subjective and less focused on numbers and statistics. Ethnographic studies focus on compiling data about human cultures and societies around the world.

Ethnography Types of Ethnography

Ethnography Types of Ethnography 1. Participant Observation

Ethnography Types of Ethnography 1. Participant Observation Long-term engagement in the field setting or place where the ethnography takes place

Ethnography Types of Ethnography 1. Participant Observation Long-term engagement in the field setting or place where the ethnography takes place Participates in life of setting they are observing

Ethnography Types of Ethnography 1. Participant Observation Long-term engagement in the field setting or place where the ethnography takes place Participates in life of setting they are observing Describes what they experience in a “detached” way

Ethnography Types of Ethnography Participant Non-Participant

Ethnography Types of Ethnography Participant Non-Participant where data are collected by observing behavior without interacting with the participants

Ethnography Methods 1. Field Notes: daily or periodic recordings made by ethnographic researchers that detail the dress, religious habits, diet, marriage customs, family life, language, trade and other aspects of daily and seasonal life within a culture.

Ethnography

Ethnography

Guidelines for Observation Ethnography Guidelines for Observation Take notes during the observation if you can. If this isn’t possible record observations as soon as you can. Be detailed and specific. Resist urge to interpret what you see at this point.

Ethnographpy What should I observe? Examples of speech Clothing Ways of greeting, initiating conversation, beginning and ending an event Body language, gestures Physical environment (room, decorations, facilities, draw maps, write descriptions). Social environment (describe community this group is a part of and where they fit in that community). Timelines (could write down what happens every five minutes or time next to each observation). Any other concrete, physical detail of behavior, speech, or the environment.

Write as many observable details as you can

Sunday ethnic church visits Ethnography Fast Food Society 4 Culture Game Sunday ethnic church visits

Ethnography How do I interpret? Interpretation involves finding patterns and lessons in what you observed. You should bring up as many questions about your observations as you can think of. The questions are endless!

Ethnography Questions to Ask How does the group use spoken language? How does the group use written language? Why does this group meet? What is their purpose? What does one get from being a member? What beliefs, values, or tastes does this group share? Do their specific actions demonstrate those beliefs, values or tastes? How does this group act towards each other? Do they treat each other differently than they would in other circumstances? How does this group see its place in the larger community? How do they define themselves in relation to other groups?