Ethnography and participant observation
Which of the following is a component of ethnographic research?
Being immersed in a social group or setting
Participant observation, interviews, and/or documentary analysis
A written account of an ethnographic study
All of the above
All of the above
Ethnography refers to a research design that is based on participant observation and is also used as a label for the final research report. However, in social studies research, the ethnographer becomes a part of the group studied. In this sense, we say that ethnography is a research design that involves immersing oneself in a particular social group or culture for an extended period of time and observing, listening to and recording what goes on. The ethnographer may also initiate conversations and conduct interviews with group members.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 423, Key concept 19.1
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 423, Key concept 19.1
All of the above Ethnography refers to a research design that is based on participant observation and is also used as a label for the final research report. However, in social studies research, the ethnographer becomes a part of the group studied. In this sense, we say that ethnography is a research design that involves immersing oneself in a particular social group or culture for an extended period of time and observing, listening to and recording what goes on. The ethnographer may also initiate conversations and conduct interviews with group members.
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 423, Key concept 19.1
Reference: Bryman: Social Research Methods: 5th Edition Page(s) 423, Key concept 19.1
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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
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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