Qualitative Primary Methods: Ethnography - Strengths and Weaknesses Flashcards
How are Ethnographies being valid a strength? Is it P, E or T?
Researchers will be able to see the world through their participants’ eyes. This is a theoretical strength
How is time a weakness in Ethnographies? Is it P, E or T?
As they are over a long period of time, they are time consuming. This is a practical weakness
Why is gaining verstehen a strength? Is it P, E or T?
It allows the researcher to get an empathetic understanding of their participants. This is a theoretical strength
Why is objectivity a weakness? Is it P, E or T?
As the researcher will be with participants for a long amount of time, they could lose objectivity. This is a theoretical weakness
Why is going native a weakness? Is it P, E or T?
It means the researcher immerses themselves too much in a group and fully becomes part of their group. This is a theoretical weakness.
Why is access a strength? Is it P, E or T?
The researcher might be able to build trust in a whole group who are wary of outsiders over a long amount of time
Why is quantifying the data a weakness? Is it P, E or T?
As it is Qualitative, it cannot be put into a numerical form making it easier to interpret. This is a practical weakness
Why is flexibility a strength? Is it P, E or T?
Over time, the researcher will be able to adapt their research to changes if needed. This is a theoretical strength
Why is standardisation a weakness and what will this result in being low beginning with, “R”? Is it P, E or T?
As change is constant, questions asked cannot stay the same and research can never be replicated, resulting in low reliability. theoretical weakness.
Why is guilty knowledge a weakness? Is it P, E or T?
If researchers are with a criminal group then they will do illegal things where the researcher has the choice to report them. This is an ethical weakness
Why is recording the data a weakness in covert ethnography? Is it P, E or T?
It will be difficult to take notes without raising suspicion over a long amount of time. This is a practical weakness.
How is being able to observe changes in behaviour over a long period of time a strength? Is it P, E or T?
It will help the researcher to get more valid data if they can compare new behaviour to old behaviour. This is a theoretical strength.
Why is the social profile of the researcher a weakness? Is it P, E or T?
It could affect if they are able to be accepted into the group they are researching. This is a practical weakness.
