Chapter 10: Qualitative Field Research Flashcards
The problem that the subjects of social research may react to the fact of being studied, thus altering their behavior from what it would have been normally.
Reactivity
An approach to field research based on the assumption that an objective social reality exists and can be observed and reported accurately.
Naturalism
A report on social life that focuses on detailed and accurate description rather than the explanation.
Ethnography
The approach of the 1930s and 1940s to social research that assumed social reality was “out there” to be naturally observed and reported by the researcher as “it really is.”
Chicago School
An approach to the study of social life that focuses on the discovery of implict–usually unspoken–assumptions and agreements; this method often involves the intentional breaking of agreements as a way of revealing their existence.
Ethnomethodology
What is the main difference between naturalism and ethnomethodology?
Naturalism seeks to understand social life as participants understand it. Ethnomethodology seeks to identify the methods through which understanding occurs.
An inductive approach to the study of social life that attempts to generate a theory from the constant complaining of unfolding observations. This differs greatly from hypothesis testing, in which theory is used to generate hypotheses to be tested through observations.
Grounded Theory
What are the five essential elements of grounded theory?
(1) Think comparatively, (2) obtain multiple viewpoints, (3) periodically step back, (4) maintain an attitude of skepticism, and (5) follow the research procedures (making comparisons, asking questions, sampling)
In grounded theory, should literature review take place before or after research
After so that it doesn’t influence your view of what you are studying before data is collected
