Fieldwork And Ethnography Study Cards

Enhance Your Learning with Fieldwork and Ethnography Flash Cards for quick revision



Fieldwork

A research method used in social sciences, particularly in anthropology, to gather data through direct observation and interaction with individuals or groups in their natural environment.

Ethnography

A qualitative research method that involves studying and documenting the culture, behavior, and social interactions of a particular group or community through participant observation and interviews.

Research Methods

Various systematic approaches and techniques used to collect and analyze data in order to answer research questions or test hypotheses.

Participant Observation

A research technique where the researcher immerses themselves in the social setting being studied, actively participating and observing the behavior and interactions of the individuals or groups.

Data Collection Techniques

Methods and tools used to gather information and data during fieldwork, such as interviews, surveys, focus groups, document analysis, and visual methods.

Ethnographic Analysis

The process of interpreting and making sense of the collected ethnographic data, identifying patterns, themes, and cultural meanings within the context of the studied group or community.

Ethics in Fieldwork

The ethical considerations and guidelines that researchers must adhere to when conducting fieldwork, including informed consent, confidentiality, and respect for the rights and well-being of the participants.

Cross-Cultural Research

Comparative research that aims to understand similarities and differences in cultural practices, beliefs, and behaviors across different societies or cultural groups.

Fieldwork Challenges

The difficulties and obstacles that researchers may encounter during fieldwork, such as language barriers, cultural differences, access to research sites, and building rapport with the participants.

Fieldwork and Ethnography Applications

The practical applications of fieldwork and ethnography in various disciplines, including anthropology, sociology, political science, cultural studies, and development studies.

Fieldwork and Ethnography in Political Science

The use of fieldwork and ethnographic methods to study political phenomena, such as political behavior, social movements, governance, and power dynamics within different political systems.

Reflexivity

The practice of reflecting on the researcher's own biases, assumptions, and positionality in relation to the studied group or community, acknowledging the potential impact on data collection and analysis.

Sampling Techniques

Strategies used to select participants or research sites for fieldwork, such as random sampling, purposive sampling, snowball sampling, and theoretical sampling.

Field Notes

Detailed written records and observations made by the researcher during fieldwork, documenting interactions, events, and contextual information for later analysis.

Interviews

A data collection method involving direct conversations between the researcher and the participants, aiming to gather in-depth information, perspectives, and experiences.

Surveys

A research method that involves administering a set of structured questions to a sample of individuals or groups, aiming to collect quantitative or qualitative data.

Focus Groups

A data collection technique where a small group of participants engage in a guided discussion facilitated by the researcher, exploring specific topics or issues of interest.

Document Analysis

The examination and interpretation of various written, visual, or audiovisual materials, such as official documents, photographs, videos, or social media posts, to gain insights into the studied culture or community.

Visual Methods

The use of visual materials, such as photographs, videos, or drawings, as a means of data collection and analysis in ethnographic research.

Triangulation

The practice of using multiple sources, methods, or perspectives to validate and corroborate the findings and interpretations in ethnographic research.

Cultural Relativism

The principle that cultural practices, beliefs, and values should be understood and evaluated within their own cultural context, without imposing external judgments or ethnocentric biases.

Informed Consent

The voluntary agreement of individuals to participate in research after being fully informed about the purpose, procedures, potential risks, and benefits of the study.

Confidentiality

The protection of participants' personal information and ensuring that their identities and responses are kept confidential, unless explicit permission is obtained.

Rapport

The establishment of a trusting and respectful relationship between the researcher and the participants, crucial for obtaining accurate and meaningful data during fieldwork.

Culture Shock

The feeling of disorientation, anxiety, or discomfort experienced by individuals when encountering unfamiliar cultural practices, values, or social norms during fieldwork in a different cultural setting.

Emic Perspective

An insider's perspective or understanding of a culture or community, focusing on the meanings, values, and interpretations from the viewpoint of the studied group.

Etic Perspective

An outsider's perspective or understanding of a culture or community, focusing on objective observations and comparisons across different cultural groups.

Fieldwork Diary

A personal journal kept by the researcher during fieldwork, recording reflections, emotions, and experiences related to the research process and interactions with the participants.

Data Analysis

The process of organizing, interpreting, and making sense of the collected data, using various qualitative or quantitative techniques, such as coding, thematic analysis, or statistical analysis.

Interpretive Frameworks

The theoretical perspectives or frameworks used to analyze and interpret the collected ethnographic data, such as symbolic interactionism, structuralism, or postcolonial theory.

Research Ethics

The principles and guidelines that govern ethical conduct in research, ensuring the protection of participants' rights, privacy, and well-being, as well as the integrity and transparency of the research process.

Researcher Bias

The influence of the researcher's personal beliefs, values, or preconceived notions on the research process and findings, potentially affecting objectivity and the interpretation of data.

Data Saturation

The point in data collection and analysis when new information or data no longer provide significant insights or contribute to the emerging patterns or themes.

Research Validity

The extent to which the research findings accurately represent the studied group or community, ensuring the credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability of the research.

Researcher Reflexivity

The process of critically reflecting on the researcher's own positionality, biases, and assumptions, and how they may influence the research process and findings.

Fieldwork Ethics

The ethical considerations and responsibilities that researchers must uphold during fieldwork, including respect for cultural norms, privacy, and confidentiality of the participants.

Researcher-Participant Relationship

The dynamic and complex relationship between the researcher and the participants, influenced by power dynamics, trust, reciprocity, and mutual understanding.

Data Triangulation

The use of multiple data sources, methods, or researchers to cross-validate and corroborate the findings and interpretations in ethnographic research.

Fieldwork Planning

The process of preparing and organizing the logistics, research questions, and methodologies for conducting fieldwork, including obtaining necessary permissions and ensuring safety.

Fieldwork Duration

The length of time spent by the researcher in the field, which can vary depending on the research objectives, access to the research site, and availability of participants.

Fieldwork Data

The information and materials collected during fieldwork, including field notes, interviews, photographs, videos, documents, and any other relevant artifacts.

Fieldwork Analysis

The process of examining, interpreting, and analyzing the collected fieldwork data to identify patterns, themes, and insights related to the research objectives.

Fieldwork Report

A written document that presents the findings, analysis, and conclusions of the fieldwork research, often including recommendations for further research or policy implications.

Fieldwork Limitations

The constraints, challenges, or shortcomings of the fieldwork research, such as limited access to participants, language barriers, time constraints, or researcher bias.

Fieldwork Reflection

The process of critically reflecting on the fieldwork experience, lessons learned, and personal growth as a researcher, considering the successes, challenges, and ethical dilemmas encountered.

Fieldwork Applications

The practical applications of fieldwork and ethnography in various disciplines, such as anthropology, sociology, cultural studies, education, healthcare, and community development.

Fieldwork Challenges in Political Science

The specific challenges and considerations when conducting fieldwork in the context of political science research, such as access to political elites, navigating power dynamics, and ensuring objectivity in data collection.

Fieldwork and Ethnography in Cultural Anthropology

The central role of fieldwork and ethnographic methods in cultural anthropology, enabling the study of cultural practices, beliefs, and social interactions within specific cultural groups or communities.

Fieldwork and Ethnography in Sociology

The use of fieldwork and ethnographic methods in sociology to study social phenomena, social interactions, and social structures within specific communities or social groups.

Fieldwork and Ethnography in Development Studies

The application of fieldwork and ethnographic methods in development studies to understand the social, economic, and cultural dynamics of communities and to inform development interventions and policies.

Fieldwork and Ethnography in Education

The use of fieldwork and ethnographic methods in educational research to study teaching and learning practices, educational institutions, and the socio-cultural contexts of education.

Fieldwork and Ethnography in Healthcare

The use of fieldwork and ethnographic methods in healthcare research to study healthcare practices, patient experiences, healthcare institutions, and the socio-cultural factors influencing health and well-being.

Fieldwork and Ethnography in Community Development

The use of fieldwork and ethnographic methods in community development research to understand the needs, aspirations, and social dynamics of communities, and to design effective development interventions.