Ethno Ethnography
Ethnography
refers to human culture Graphy means description of
Ethnography
A research process used in the scientific study of human interactions in social settings Used extensively in anthropology Has become increasing popular in educational research over the past few years Has been relatively slow to become accepted in agricultural and extension education
Ethnography
Purpose to describe and explain a facet or segment of group social life as it relates to education
Ethnography
Hypotheses and questions begin as a broad statement about the purpose of the research, then are allowed to emerge more specifically as data are amassed.
Ethnography
Data - verbal descriptions of people, interactions, settings, objects and phenomena within the context being studies
Ethnography
Data Sources the people, settings, and relevant objects being observed
Ethnography
Data Collection done by the researcher through observation, sometimes combined with interview
Ethnography
Data treatment and analysis presentation of verbal descriptions and/ or logical analysis of information to discover salient patterns and themes
The Process
A question or concern is identified for study A group to study is identified
Typically small Typically purposively selected
The Process
Permission to study the group is obtained The researcher observes the group
Privileged observer just observes Participant observer functions as part of the group
The Process
Researcher watches and listens attentively and records as much detail as possible (this is called naturalistic observation). Large amounts of notes are typically generated. This process may last a week or two or could be years.
The Process
The researcher analyzes the notes, identifies themes, looks for answers to questions, research and makes logical inferences.
The Process
The final step is to write the research paper describing the process, observations, findings, and conclusion. Often rich descriptions are provided so the readers can make their own interpretations.
Ethnographic Research
Strengths
Looks at the situation holistically May arrive at greater understanding of the problem than other research processes
Ethnographic Research
Concerns
Possible bias on the part of the observer (which leads to validity concerns) Generalizability (how generalizable are the findings from a small, purposely selected group)
Criteria for Judging Qualitative Research
Credibility would the group being observed say the findings were credible? Are the findings logical and reasonable?
Criteria for Judging Qualitative Research
Transferability Would a reader be willing to transfer the results to another group or setting?
Criteria for Judging Qualitative Research
Dependability the researcher accurately describes the context, setting and changes that may have occurred during the study.
Criteria for Judging Qualitative Research
Confirmability if there were additional observers, would they describe the situation the same and arrive at the same conclusions.
When to Conduct Ethnographic Research
To define a problem when the problem is not clear To define a problem that is complex and embedded in multiple systems or sectors To identify participants when the participants, sectors, or stakeholders are not yet known or identified
When to Conduct Ethnographic Research
To clarify the range of settings where the problem or situation occurs at times when the settings are not fully identified, known, or understood To explore the factors associated with the problem in order to understand it