week 9

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Questions and Answers

What is a critical step in ethnographic research?

Analyzing data

Using quantitative methods

Conducting interviews

Gaining access (correct)

Which role do complete participants assume in ethnographic research?

They maintain full detachment from the group

They primarily observe and take notes

They blend seamlessly into the group (correct)

They focus on covert data collection methods

What is the purpose of analytic memos in ethnographic research?

To connect raw data to theoretical insights (correct)

To document ethical considerations

To provide a summary of findings

To replace field notes

What ethical dilemma might arise from using covert participant observation?

Deception and lack of consent Signup and view all the answers

Which sampling method identifies informants through networks?

Snowball sampling Signup and view all the answers

Visual ethnography primarily incorporates which of the following?

Images as memory aids Signup and view all the answers

In ethnographic research, which role involves balancing interaction and observation?

Observer-as-participant Signup and view all the answers

What type of research methods are ethnography and participant observation classified as?

Qualitative research methods Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern associated with covert access in ethnographic research?

It raises ethical concerns and logistical challenges. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of field notes in ethnographic research?

They serve as the primary records of observation and participation. Signup and view all the answers

Why is extended immersion considered ideal in ethnographic research?

It enhances the understanding of cultural practices and social dynamics. Signup and view all the answers

What practice helps researchers maintain reflexivity during data collection?

Journaling and dedicating time for entries Signup and view all the answers

How do analytic memos contribute to the research process?

They connect raw data to interpretation and analytical frameworks. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a context suitable for ethnographic research?

Television shows Signup and view all the answers

What does the lecture emphasize about the writing habits of field notes?

Journaling and time allocation for detailed notes are important. Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge researchers face when planning for fieldwork duration?

Practical constraints like funding and schedules. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ethnographic Research Methods

Ethnography emphasizes immersive engagement with a group or setting over time, enabling researchers to explore cultural, social, and organizational dynamics.
Ethnographers adapt their roles to fit study context and goals.
Gaining access is crucial, ranging from open public spaces to restricted organizations. Strategies include building trust, securing sponsorship and negotiation.
Covert approaches, while potentially bypassing formality, raise ethical concerns due to deception and lack of consent.
Ethnographers assume various roles, from complete participants to complete observers, with intermediate approaches like participant-as-observer and observer-as-participant balancing interaction and observation.
Data collection relies on field notes, audio recordings, photographs, and analytic memos.
Researchers use various approaches including visual ethnography.

Access and Ethical Considerations

Overt access involves direct permission, potentially altering participant behavior due to awareness of observation.
Covert access allows for natural interactions but raises ethical concerns and logistical challenges.
Time and activity in the field are emphasized, with extended immersion ideal but realistically constrained by factors like event schedules, funding, and participant limitations.
Fieldwork duration is impacted by various practical constraints.

Fieldwork and Data Collection

Researchers engage in observation, participation, interviews, and textual material collection.
Field notes, ranging from mental notes to detailed records, are primary data sources.
Effective field note habits include journaling, allocating time for detailed entries, and maintaining reflexivity.
Analytic memos connect raw data with interpretation, refining the analytical framework.
Field notes are important records encapsulating research processes and evolving researcher understanding.

Theoretical & Practical Aspects

Ethnography offers a multifaceted approach to understanding subjects.
The lecture and chapter offer complementary perspectives on ethnography and participant observation.
Field notes are essential for capturing observations and shaping analyses.
Ethics are central, especially in covert research.
The chapter offers theoretical frameworks, while the lecture provides examples.
Combined, they provide a comprehensive view that blends theory and fieldwork practice.