Ethnography is an in-person method of studying the behavior of a group. This method of research is very effective as it allows you to collect observations and impartial information about a particular group.
We’ll be discussing ethnography in this article.
What’s ethnography?
Ethnography can be described as a method of studying the behavior and traits of a group, population, or organization in real-time. An ethnographer may also use the term to refer to documentation or research reports he prepares after an ethnographic observation ends. Qualitative ethnography is focused on getting firsthand, high-quality data from the source. This makes the information more authentic and real.
Because it is flexible, this research method allows researchers to examine the social dynamics of a group like they are a member of the group. This gives them the opportunity to learn more about the socio-cultural function of a group, and to be able to share those experiences with others.
Three important facts about ethnographic studies are worth mentioning:
1. Closed vs. open settings
The environment where you conduct ethnographic research is what you call the setting. It can be either closed or open. Open research groups allow the public to view the community, its activities and the environment.
Although the open environment can be very useful, it is not possible to obtain clear ethnographic information without close community. One example is a neighborhood that is open because everyone can access it.
Ethnographers often find it difficult to reach a closed community because of the restrictions and boundaries that may exist for the group.
Because it is a closed environment, it would be harder to gain access to a prison for cultural and social research. The ethnographer might have more success if they can get full access. Because these groups are often isolated, it is easier to establish cultural and social norms which allow for connection among all.
2. Overt vs. covert ethnography
Most ethnographic studies are open-ended, which means that the researcher clearly explains why they are there. Overt studies are more ethical as the group can make informed decisions about whether or not they want to consent to being studied. However, knowing this information may lead to different behavior from group members.
Covert ethnography is when an ethnographer doesn’t disclose that they are studying the group. The researcher might give a different explanation. This ethnographic research allows the ethnographer to see the group as it is, but many feel that it is deceptive and unprofessional.
3. Active vs. passive observation
Ethnographers can have an impact on the outcome by how they interact with the group. Their actions can have an influence on the behavior of the members of the community. The context of the group will determine the extent of the researcher’s involvement. The group may encourage the researcher or group member to be more active in their activities. Or, they may relax by being more present. This can cause disruption to their normal functioning.
A passive ethnographer is one who stands out from the crowd and observes the group in a quiet location. This allows them to continue their normal activities without interruption. The ethnographer will be able to take more detailed notes and observe the group better. The researcher may be able to influence members of the group and cause them not to behave as naturally, but this could also impact their behavior.
Six examples from ethnography
These are just a few examples of ethnography.
1. Watching children play together
To understand the personalities, social dynamics and habits of eight children in elementary school, a researcher can observe them on a playground. Each week, the researcher observes one child and takes notes about their preferences. To identify recurring patterns in behavior, the researcher observes their actions.
The researcher might also observe the interaction between the children to determine who the best friend is and who the worst.
2. Observing employees within a corporate building
To determine the culture of a company’s employees, a researcher might study them. To understand their relationships with clients, the researcher might observe how they interact with them. To identify social cliques and teamwork dynamics, the researcher may observe their interactions with clients.
The ethnographer might take an active role in their group projects and be present at their social gatherings to gain a better understanding of how they work together.
3. Monitoring medical staff in a large hospital
To understand the culture and stress management of hospital staff, an ethnographer might study high-volume medical personnel. The ethnographer might observe the work of medical personnel in a high-volume hospital environment but not interrupt their work.
An ethnographer might spend four months in a hospital and then review one wing each week. The ethnographer may also observe how employees deal with stressful situations, and whether they have any techniques to decompress emotionally or physically.
4. Observing an indigenous village
An ethnographer may visit an island village to study the culture and customs of local people. The ethnographer can communicate with them using a translator and observe their lives as they go.
The ethnographer examines their daily routines and observes how they handle conflict. The ethnographer also monitors their social interactions over several months, looking for any predominating social groups or leadership positions.
5. Observing the classroom of a highschool
One month may be enough for a researcher to observe the social and cultural dynamics in a high-school classroom. The researcher may observe the interactions between students and teachers in order to discover unique social dynamics.
Each student is then individually examined by the researcher to determine their study habits and social cliques. A researcher may also want to observe how students interact at lunch.
6. Observing motorcyclists
A ethnographer might spend five months studying a group motorcycle riders to learn about their social habits and customs. The ethnographer can explain to the group that they are interested to motorcycles and wish to know more about their social lives.
To make immersion more real, they may adopt an active approach. The ethnographer observes their social dynamics and places they frequent, but also participates in their daily activities.
