1. Ethnographic Research
Introduction to Educational Research (5th ed.) Craig A. Mertler & C.M. Charles
Chapter 10
Ethnographic Research

2. The Nature of Ethnographic Research
Research process used in the study of human interactions in social settings
A highly descriptive, holistic approach to research
Topics must involve people in groups
May last from a week to several years
Excellent at constructing a VERY detailed picture of human life and interactions

3. A Summary Description of Ethnographic Research
Purpose—to describe/explain segment of group social life as it pertains to education
Hypotheses/questions—begin as broad statements; emerge more specifically as data are collected
Data—qualitative; verbal descriptions of people, interactions, settings, etc. within the specific context
Data sources—people, settings, etc.

4. A Summary Description of Ethnographic Research (cont’d.)
Data collection—done by researcher, through observations and interviews (naturalistic observation)
Data analysis—presentation of verbal descriptions through logical analysis in an attempt to discover themes/ patterns that exist in a particular context

5. Strengths and Weaknesses of Ethnographic Research
Its holistic nature (as opposed to a “snapshot study”)
Weaknesses:
A single observer calls into question the reliability of the data (and therefore, the validity of the results)
Must determine if biases exist…if observations are accurate

6. Published Examples of Ethnographic Research
Pajak, E. F. & Blase, J. J. (1984). Teacher in bars: From professional to personal self. Sociology of Education, 57, 164–173.
Williams, J. & Williamson, K. (1992). I wouldn’t want to shoot nobody: The out-of-school curriculum as described by urban students. Action in Teacher Education, 14(2), 9–15.

7. Additional Examples of Ethnographic Research
See “Additional Examples of Published Ethnographic Studies” for 10 additional articles, available through Research NavigatorTM (

8. Applying Technology…
Web sites covering topics related to qualitative research
An Introduction to Qualitative Research (
Dr. Trochim’s discussion of "Qualitative Measures" (
Dr. Trochim’s discussion of "Qualitative Approaches" (
Dr. Trochim’s discussion of "Qualitative Methods" (
Dr. Trochim’s discussion of "Qualitative Validity" (
Qualitative Research Resources on the Internet (

9. Applying Technology…
More web sites covering topics related to qualitative research
QSR (Qualitative Solutions and Research) Home Page (
Free, downloadable demo version of NUD*IST qualitative data analysis software (
Research Proposal Evaluation Form for Qualitative Methodology (