Ethnography and participant observation
What is the difference between “scratch notes” and “full field notes”?
Scratch notes are just key words and phrases, rather than lengthy descriptions
Full field notes are quicker and easier to write than scratch notes
Scratch notes are written at the end of the day rather than during key events
Full field notes do not involve the researcher scratching their head while thinking
Scratch notes are just key words and phrases, rather than lengthy descriptions
We have already seen how covert research faces the difficulty of recording data on the spot. Actually, all ethnography has to deal with this kind of problem, particularly as the emphasis is more towards participation. It is probably impossible to record data fully (as in a structured interview, for example) at the moment of the data presentation. Consequently, ethnographers try to scribble something down immediately to capture the essence of an event, in the form of key words, phrases or quotations that will jog the memory later. These are “scratch notes” and are designed to aid the production of “full field notes”, made later that day, which should be as detailed as possible.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 440,441
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 440,441
Scratch notes are just key words and phrases, rather than lengthy descriptions We have already seen how covert research faces the difficulty of recording data on the spot. Actually, all ethnography has to deal with this kind of problem, particularly as the emphasis is more towards participation. It is probably impossible to record data fully (as in a structured interview, for example) at the moment of the data presentation. Consequently, ethnographers try to scribble something down immediately to capture the essence of an event, in the form of key words, phrases or quotations that will jog the memory later. These are “scratch notes” and are designed to aid the production of “full field notes”, made later that day, which should be as detailed as possible.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 440,441
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 440,441
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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 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
What is meant by the term “going native”?
A. Doing ethnography as a participant observer
B. Accepting a job in an organization previously studied by the ethnographer
C. Trying to learn to speak a foreign language as well as a native speaker
D. Over identifying with the group and losing research perspective
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