Research Methods in Field Studies

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Questions and Answers

Participant observation is a method used exclusively for collecting quantitative data.

False (B)

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of anthropological fieldwork?

Conducting laboratory experiments (correct)

Building rapport with participants

Spending a year or more in the field

Learning the language of the community

What is the role of key informants in anthropological research?

Key informants are individuals within a community who possess extensive knowledge about their culture and are willing to share it with the researcher.

The instructor conducted participant observation in various settings, including ______, social gatherings, and indoor play spaces for mothers and children.

religious sites Signup and view all the answers

Which fieldwork role involves fully immersing oneself in a community while concealing one's researcher identity?

Complete participant (D) Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of field notes with their descriptions:

Methodological notes = Document the researcher's thoughts about methods used in the study Descriptive notes = Detailed accounts of observed events and settings Jottings = Brief notes taken during observation to help recall details later Log = Running account of time, activities, and expenses Signup and view all the answers

Field notes should be written in complete sentences and paragraphs.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the salience hierarchy method of note-taking differ from comprehensive note-taking?

Salience hierarchy focuses on the most interesting or noteworthy aspects, memorable or deviant cases, and reveals typical patterns of interaction, while comprehensive notes aim to document everything observed. Signup and view all the answers

Downey used ______ as a method to gain embodied knowledge and understanding of participants' lived experiences.

apprenticeship Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of Bernard's five reasons for using participant observation?

Guarantees complete objectivity in research findings (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which method involves the researcher actively engaging in the environment they are studying?

Participant observation (C) Signup and view all the answers

Naturalistic observation requires the researcher to manipulate the environment to gather data.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of rapid assessment?

To quickly gather information about a community or group. Signup and view all the answers

Participatory mapping involves asking informants to draw a map of an area, identifying key ______.

places Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Naturalistic Observation = Observing subjects without interference Graphic Elicitation = Using drawings or maps to prompt discussions Fieldwork = Spending extended time in a specific location to collect data Arts-Based Methods = Using creative forms to gather information Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an arts-based method?

Sculpture (B) Signup and view all the answers

Participatory photography allows participants to capture images that represent their experiences.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are visual methods used for in research?

To represent events, experiences, or processes visually. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Naturalistic Observation

Involves observing subjects in their natural environment without researcher intervention.
Researcher remains passive.

Participant Observation

Researcher actively engages in the environment being studied.
More interactive than naturalistic observation.

Rapid Assessment

Quick method for gathering community information.
Uses interviews, participant observation, and surveys.

Participatory Photography

Research method where participants capture their experiences visually.
Photographs guide subsequent discussions and storytelling.

Field Site

Physical or social location of research.
Examples include shrines, markets, and parks.

Fieldwork

Extended period in a location to observe and interact.
Aims to collect data about lives, behaviors, and cultures.

Visual Methods

Examples: Timelining (visually representing events), graphic elicitation (visual aids to elicit responses).

Arts-Based Methods

Various artistic mediums used in research.
Examples include collage, sculpture, poetry, participatory photography.
Participatory drawing: Used by Jean Hunleth to engage children in Zambia, capturing their experiences as caregivers.

Participatory Mapping

Involves informants drawing maps, identifying key locations, and providing explanations.
Researcher observes and interacts during mapping.

Research Purpose (Lambert et al.)

Portrayed lives of people with HIV, highlighting social, political, and psychological challenges.

Participant Observation (Bernard)

Strategic method for collecting qualitative and quantitative data during fieldwork.
True.

Anthropological Field Research

Common characteristics include extended fieldwork (year or more), language learning, rapport building, and active participation in daily life.

Key Informants

Individuals within a community with extensive knowledge who share information with researchers.

Fieldwork Locations (Instructor)

Examples include religious sites (shrines, temples), social gatherings (restaurants, bars), indoor play spaces, and ceremonies/rituals.

Fieldwork Roles (Van Maanen)

Observing participant: Primarily observes while engaging minimally.
- Other roles include complete participant (hidden identity), participating observer (openly a researcher), and complete observer (no interaction).

Field Notes

Detailed record of observations, interactions, and reflections.
Jottings used as preliminary notes.
Notes, when requested by informants, should be discussed and documented.

Log

Running record of time, activities, and expenses.

Jottings

Brief notes taken during observations for later recall.

Salience Hierarchy Note-Taking

Focuses on noteworthy aspects, memorable instances, deviations, revealing patterns and typical interactions.
Emphasizes significant details.

Methodological Notes

Notes about research methods and their effectiveness.

Descriptive Notes

Detailed descriptions of observed events and settings.

Apprenticeship as Method (Downey)

Used apprenticeship to learn embodied skills (e.g., capoeira), understanding participants through practice and observation.

Participant Observation Reasons (Bernard)

Holistic understanding, contextual interpretation, rapport building, revealing implicit knowledge, enhancing flexibility in data collection.

Body Mapping

Visual method where participants draw their physical and emotional experiences on a life-sized body outline.
- Example use includes illustrating the impact of HIV, highlighting both personal and societal challenges.

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Description

This quiz explores various research methods used in field studies, including naturalistic observation, participant observation, and rapid assessment. It also covers participatory photography and the significance of field sites. Test your knowledge on different techniques and their applications in social research.