Ethnography and participant observation
Which of the following will not help you to negotiate access to a closed/non-public setting?
Gaining the support of a “sponsor” within the organization
Obtaining clearance from a “gatekeeper” or senior member of the group
Joining in with the group’s activities without introducing yourself
Offering something in return, e.g. a report of the findings
Joining in with the group’s activities without introducing yourself
It can be difficult to be accepted into a “closed” social setting, and the ethnographer has to work hard to earn the trust of such group members. It is best to negotiate access gradually, through sponsors, gatekeepers and other contacts, rather than simply appearing on the scene and expecting to be accepted. Since the strategy is ‘open’, clearly answer (c) is inappropriate, in that it is more likely to destroy trust than to build it.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 427-428
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 427-428
Joining in with the group’s activities without introducing yourself It can be difficult to be accepted into a “closed” social setting, and the ethnographer has to work hard to earn the trust of such group members. It is best to negotiate access gradually, through sponsors, gatekeepers and other contacts, rather than simply appearing on the scene and expecting to be accepted. Since the strategy is ‘open’, clearly answer (c) is inappropriate, in that it is more likely to destroy trust than to build it.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 427-428
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 427-428
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What is the name of the role adopted by an ethnographer who joins in with the group’s activities but admits to being a researcher?A. Complete participant
B. Participant-as-observer
C. Observer-as-participant
D. Complete observer
Why does Stacey argue against the idea of a feminist ethnography?
A. Because it creates a non-exploitative relationship between the researcher and the researched
B. Because she fundamentally disagrees with all feminist principles
C. Because she thinks that the fieldwork relationship is inherently unequal
D. Because she does not think that ethnography is a useful research method
What is the difference between “scratch notes” and “full field notes”?
A. Scratch notes are just key words and phrases, rather than lengthy descriptions
B. Full field notes are quicker and easier to write than scratch notes
C. Scratch notes are written at the end of the day rather than during key events
D. Full field notes do not involve the researcher scratching their head while thinking
What is one of the main disadvantages of using the covert role in ethnography?
A. It can be hard to gain access to the social group
B. It is difficult to take notes without arousing suspicion
C. The problem of reactivity: people may change their behaviour if they know they are being observed
D. It is usually too time consuming and expensive to be a realistic option
What is a key informant?
A. A group member who helps the ethnographer gain access to relevant people/events
B. A senior level member of the organisation who refuses to allow researchers into it
C. A participant who appears to be helpful but then blows the researcher’s cover
D. Someone who cuts keys to help the ethnographer gain access to a building
Is it okay to break the law in order to maintain a “cover”?
A. Yes, provided it is not very serious
B. No, never under any circumstances
C. Yes, because otherwise data on criminal activity would never come to light
D. Yes, provided it doesn’t cause physical harm to someone
Which of the following is a component of ethnographic research?
A. Being immersed in a social group or setting
B. Participant observation, interviews, and/or documentary analysis
C. A written account of an ethnographic study
D. All of the above
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