When should ethnographic research be used?

When should ethnographic research be used?

• Ethnographic research is when the researcher wants to learn more about a specific person or group of people

• Results are qualitative

Who uses ethnographies?

• Ethnographic research is common among social and cultural anthropologists.

• Researchers hope to gain a better understanding of different divisions of cultures

What are issues with ethnographies?

• Ethics– Do not “out” any specific

people• Your sample– Is your sample an

accurate representation of a population?

• Data analysis– How do you organize your

data – dealing with people’s stories

Examples of ethnographic studies

• Research on the smokers community – Bumming cigarettes

• Research on education – Studying abroad

• Research on gender and sexuality – GLBT community

Participant Observations

• Take part in the culture you are studying

Interviews

• Getting to know your sample

• Asking questions• Allowing your subject to

feel safe

Reporting results

• How do you inform others of what you researched?

• How well was your question defined?