1. Field Research Two Basic Types Ethnography Qualitative Studies
Geertz’s The Interpretation of Culture’s “Thick Description
You’re Essentially Flying Solo

2. Field Research (Con’t)
Literature Reviews=critical
Gaining Entry
Characteristics of a Good Field Researcher Ability to tolerate uncertainty Ability and willingness to make mistakes Ability to suspend judgment Willingness to withstand problems with population

3. Field Research (Con’t)
Finding Your Spot
Making Social Observations Physical Surroundings Lighting Color Smell Sounds Objects Weather

4. Field Research (Con’t)
Observations of Members Dress/Hairstyle
Observation of Verbal and Nonverbal Behavior Body Language Facial Expressions Space

5. Field Research (Con’t)
Interviewing
Types Fact finding Informing Altering opinions, feelings, behavior

6. Field Research (Con’t)
Tips for Success Determine Mission/purpose In you we trust Chew the inside of your cheek Wait and take your time Accentuate the positive Fire single shots Who’s the expert? Don’t be clever

7. Field Research (Con’t)
Tips for Success Con’t No Shell Answer Man Verify Separate facts from inference Assessment
Data and Field Notes Working notes Personal Diary

8. Field Research (Con’t)
Trust and Ethics in Field Research Kai Erikson vs. Jack Douglas
Writing Field Research Writing IS analysis--it is a way of knowing
Realist Tales no mention of author in text concrete details of what occurs

9. Field Research (Con’t)
Realist Tales present members’ point of view interpretation of the setting
Experimental Writing Narrative of the self Ethnographic fictional representations

10. Field Research (Con’t)
Experimental Writing Poetic representations Ethnographic drama
Most Field Researchers are between Realist Tales and Experimental Writing Idea of a partnership between the researcher and those he/she studies