Field Research Methods and Ethnography 27-01-2014

8/13/2019 Field Research Methods and Ethnography 27-01-2014

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Aftab Ahmed Chaudhry (Anthrpologist)

Prepared By: Aftab Ahmed,pk.linkedin.com/in/aftabch/

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Types of Field Research

Particularistic field research Research focus on social issues and situation, with particular reference

to primary contexts such as culture

Holistic field research Research focuses on cultures as whole entities, their structure and

characteristics per se as well as in comparison with other cultures. it may look at modern cultures or subcultures and compare them with

others.

Mixed model It is combination of particularistic research and holistic

research model.

Two research model by expanding the particulars type

of research and including elements of the holistic

model in its theory and design. Although in most

cases the focus remains the same (i.e. aspect of social life)


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Design of field research

In the quantitative model it is relatively rigid a deterministic,

while in a qualitative paradigm it is relative open and flexible.

1. Topic and methodologya. the researcher will state which topic will be studied, and within

which methodology it will be constructed and researched.

2. Methodological definition of the topica. When quantitative methodology is employed, the topic will be

clearly defined, reduced, and specified

b. In qualitative research, such specification will be rather generaland flexible.

3. Sampling procedures

a. In quantitative; sample will be determined precisely before thestudy commences.

b. In qualitative; it may be less rigid and may be left partly open to becompleted during the study.


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4. Data collection

a) Entering the fieldi. Going native. Important task to be completed at this stage of research are

gaining entry and acceptance, establishing the research environment, and

building up contacts and rapport

b) Gathering data

i. Data collection begins with an exploration which might simply involve

identification and description of issues related to the research subject.

c) Taking notes

i. Observation, interaction and communication are constantly transformed

into notes of kind that are systematically organized for future use.

d) Leaving The field

i. When data collection is done the researcher leaves the fieldii. When relations have been impersonal, exit from the field is easy


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5. Data Analysis

a. In qualitative research of the flexible kind

6. Writing report

a. Have much greater freedom in writing than is permitted to other

qualitative researchers,

b. not to mention quantitative researchers.


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Ethnographic Research

Ethnography has been seen as the science of

cultural description.

a descriptionand interpretationof cultural

group with the purpose of understanding them

from the native point of view


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Criteria of ethnographic research

The main criteria of ethnographic research donot differ from those encountered in field

research.1. Ethnographic research is form of a field research that studies

cultures

2. Employs a holisticapproach; it studies cultures and

interprets life in a cultural context

3. Is conducted in naturalsetting and entails a total sinking in

the field of study

4. Constructs culture through in-depth studies and the

meanings of the participants.


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Methodology in ethnographic research

The methods employed in ethnographic research are oftwo kinds, descriptiveor critical. Critical ethnographicresearch is common in social sciences.

In general the overall deign of ethnographic researchfalls within the parameters of field research in thiscontext, ethnographers use field work of many kinds,for instance,

personal participant observation,

interviews, document analysis,

filming and recording. This is of tern assumed to entail arejection of positivist thinking and research.


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Strengths and weakness of Ethnographic Research

Strengths Holistic perspective

Use of the socio cultural context as the explainingsource

High degree of flexibility

Capacity to identify contradictions and inconsistencies

High quality of the research participant relationship

Closeness to the participants

High external validity

Capacity for longitudinal study; studying issues overtime


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Strengths and weakness of Ethnographic Research

Weaknesses

Inability to provide evidence supporting causality

Inability to ensure validity and reliability

Lack of replication\inability to ensure objectivity

Difficulty with going native which often affects studies

and leads to problems

Interviewer effect that causes obvious distortions

Distortion of the natural setting by the very presence of

the research


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A case study is an empirical inquiry that investigates a

contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context when

the boundaries between phenomenon and context are notclearly obvious

Case Studies


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Types of Case Studies

Intrinsic case study

conducted for its own sake, to learn about the case

only (Generalized for same cases)

Instrumental case study

use to inquire into a social issue or to refine a theorywith wider applications beyond the study itself

Collective study

includes several instrumental studies or number ofsingle studies investigated jointly to inquire an issue


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Field Research Methods and Ethnography 27-01-2014

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