Ethnographic Research Essay
Principles

Ethnography is a form of research that emphasizes close observation, interview, field
notes, and collecting artifacts from the physical sites of a subculture.

Its goal is to reveal “the web in which members of a group are enmeshed,” which is
composed of the beliefs, behaviors, rules, language, and objects that constitute the
subculture.

Ethnographic research methods are appropriate when the research question focuses on
people and/or depends on the larger social context; when the writer can best find answers
to questions by being “in the field”; and when it is important for the writer to reflect on
his/her own role in research and interpretation.

Suspension of judgment and the use of dialectical thinking are central to ethnographic
research.
Features of the Form

Ethnographic research focuses on groups of people who identify themselves as part of a
specific group or culture.

Researchers need to spend a good deal of time observing closely, taking field notes.

Research is gathered from the places and settings where the group members typically
gather.

Ethnography focuses on a small number of people in a group in order to make tentative
interpretations of the larger group.

The researcher, who is a vital part of the research, must be aware of the subjective stance
he/she brings to the subculture and must work hard to see the culture as the subjects see
it.
Goals

Students will learn a handful of ethnographic research methods, such as taking field
notes and observation, as well as interviewing subjects.

Students will learn how to analyze the artifacts, language, and behavior of a subculture.

Students will become conscious of--- and reflect on--- their role in the research and
interpretation processes, which emphasize that knowledge is constructed within
communities.

Students will learn research methods beyond library and Internet research.