Ethnographic Research Tools

Literature is the physical evidence of culture.

Ethnography is a research method that provides an alternative to traditional quantitative research, which is performed in a laboratory setting. Ethnographers study people, social groups, ethnic populations and religious groups using qualitative research tools--e.g., observation, interview, survey and analysis. This methodoloogy is a large part of research in the humanities and social sciences such as psychology, anthropology and sociology.

Observation

There are two types of observation work done in ethnographic research: participant observation and non-participant observation. Participant observation involves the study of a particular individual or group of participants through direct interaction--i.e., immersion. In order to engage in participant research, you are required to obtain permission to follow, observe and document the daily activities of subjects. Non-participant observation is the study of groups of people in public places. Rather than focus on a particular individual, who knows you are observing them, you watch a variety of people interacting. Non-participant observers are eavesdroppers.

Interview

Interview is research done through narrative. There are three types of interviews: structured, semi-structured and unstructured. Structured interviews involve a specific set of questions with limitations placed on subject responses. In this case the researcher is only interested in learning about a specific part of the subject's life. This is common practice in product research; participants are asked about their thoughts and feelings in regard to particular stimuli, not life in general. Semi-structured interviews are similar to structured interviews in that they begin with a general framework but are free to evolve around the subject's narrative--i.e., the subject is able to get a little sidetracked. Unstructured interviews allow subjects to speak freely. Although the researcher may begin with a general prompt or conversation to gain trust, effort is made to allow the free expression of the subject--e.g., starting a conversation about the subject's job.

Survey

Surveys and questionnaires are like written interviews. They vary in degree of structure and researcher involvement. The primary advantage of surveying a population is the ability to produce large amounts of quantitative data, such as numerical ratings. Adding this tool to the ethnographic toolbox makes it easier to draw quantitatively meaningful, statistically significant conclusions from research.

Data Analysis

Data analysis is the study of physical evidence, the paperwork of culture. Anything from doctor's bills to ceramic art may be considered data. If participant observation is being used in addition to data analysis, researchers can ask for this information directly. Otherwise, they may gather it while taking notes in the field. To retain the validity of data collected for analysis, some researchers include a personal statement at the beginning of their literature that describes their subjective position. This statement may explain why certain evidence was ignored, judged unimportant or overlooked. For example, a young, male researcher documenting a genealogical connection might disbelieve the testimony of a sickly, old woman because he believed she was an unreliable source.

References

• New York University: Qualitative Research
• National University of Singapore: An Ethnogaphy Primer
• North Carolina State University: Ethnogaphic Research
• Historical Society of Pennsylvania: The Ethnographer's Tools
• University of Pennsylvania: What Is Ethnography?
• Arizona State University: Observation

Resources

• The Library of Congress: Ethnographic Resources
• University of Georgia: Resources for Qualitative Research