Ethnography
Ethnography
What is ethnography?
Ethnography
What is ethnography?
 Ethnography is a form of research focused on the
qualitative properties of observation.
Ethnography
What is ethnography?
 Ethnography is a form of research focused on the
qualitative properties of observation.
 Subjective and less focused on numbers and
statistics.
Ethnography
What is ethnography?
 Ethnography is a form of research focused on the
qualitative properties of observation.
 Subjective and less focused on numbers and
statistics.
 Ethnographic studies focus on compiling data about
human cultures and societies around the world.
Ethnography
Types of Ethnography
Ethnography
Types of Ethnography
1. Participant Observation
Ethnography
Types of Ethnography
1. Participant Observation
Long-term engagement in the field setting or
place where the ethnography takes place
Ethnography
Types of Ethnography
1. Participant Observation
Long-term engagement in the field setting or
place where the ethnography takes place
Participates in life of setting they are
observing
Ethnography
Types of Ethnography
1. Participant Observation
Long-term engagement in the field setting or
place where the ethnography takes place
Participates in life of setting they are
observing
Describes what they experience in a
“detached” way
Ethnography
Types of Ethnography
1. Participant
2. Non-Participant
Ethnography
Types of Ethnography
1. Participant
2. Non-Participant
where data are collected by
observing behavior without interacting
with the participants
Ethnography
Methods
1. Field Notes:
 daily or periodic recordings made by
ethnographic researchers that detail the dress,
religious habits, diet, marriage customs, family
life, language, trade and other aspects of daily
and seasonal life within a culture.
Ethnography
Ethnography
Ethnography
Guidelines for Observation
Take notes during the observation if you can.
If this isn’t possible record observations as
soon as you can.
Be detailed and specific.
Resist urge to interpret what you see at this
point.
Ethnographpy
What should I observe?
Examples of speech
Clothing
Ways of greeting, initiating conversation, beginning and ending an event
Body language, gestures
Physical environment (room, decorations, facilities, draw maps, write
descriptions).
Social environment (describe community this group is a part of and where
they fit in that community).
Timelines (could write down what happens every five minutes or time next to
each observation).
Any other concrete, physical detail of behavior, speech, or the environment.
Write as many
observable details as
you can
Ethnography
Fast Food Society
4 Culture Game
Sunday ethnic church visits
Ethnography
How do I interpret?
 Interpretation involves finding patterns and lessons
in what you observed. You should bring up as many
questions about your observations as you can think
of.
 The questions are endless!
Ethnography
Questions to Ask
How does the group use spoken language?
How does the group use written language?
Why does this group meet? What is their purpose? What does one get from
being a member?
What beliefs, values, or tastes does this group share? Do their specific
actions demonstrate those beliefs, values or tastes?
How does this group act towards each other? Do they treat each other
differently than they would in other circumstances?
How does this group see its place in the larger community? How do they
define themselves in relation to other groups?