Ethnography

Question 1

Describe ethnography

Answer 1

• Focusing on one particular culture/setting

Question 2

Advantages of ethnography

Answer 2

• Lab studies results can be difficult to apply to real life settings
• Study people in everyday life; make results more reliable and accurate
• Researchers observe, interpret behaviour and actively take part

Question 3

How data is collected

Answer 3

Field observations = observe others in natural settings, can be either overt or covert
Interviews = interview those who are involved in the culture in question, tend to be non-directive and open-ended
Diaries = researchers record day-to-day life

Question 4

Questions ethnographers ask

Answer 4

Proximity = Should I retreat from the setting after a long day?
Collaboration = Am I collaborating with the group I am studying? Who is the research for?
Ethics = Did I follow code of conduct?

Question 5

Step-by-step approach

Answer 5

1. Pre-field aims
   - What are the aims
   - Familiarise with already existing theories/research
2. Relationship with study group
   - Familiarise with group that will be studied e.g. what is already known about them, cultural norms, etc
3. Field
   - Visit the group and spend time to gain further information
4. Conclusion
   - Make assumptions about behaviour based on what was observed
   - Link to already existing/make new models/theories

Question 6

Tips for ethnographers

Answer 6

• Questionnaires not suitable

- Ethnographic interviews should be carried out in an environment that is familiar to the culture

Question 7

How to plan ethnography

Answer 7

1. Pre-field
   - What specific variable is being investigated
   - Is there any existing research
   - What culture do you want to study
2. Relationship with study
   - How would you make contact
   - `How would you gain entry
   - How overt/covert would you be
   - How would address ethical issues
3. Field
   - How long would you spend in the field
   - How would you collect data
   -