Fieldwork

ETHNOGRAPHIC FIELDWORK

A primary research strategy in cultural anthropology typically involving living and interacting with a community of people over an extended period to better understand their lives.

SALVAGE ETHNOGRAPHY

Fieldwork strategy developed by Franz Boas to collect cultural, material, linguistic, and biological information about Native American populations being devastated by the westward expansion of European settlers.

PARTICIPANT OBSERVATION

A key anthropological research strategy involving both participation in and observation of the daily life of the people being studied.

REFLEXIVITY

A critical self-examination of the role the anthropologist plays and an awareness that one's identity affects one's fieldwork and theoretical analyses.

ENGAGED ANTHROPOLOGY

Applying the research strategies and analytical perspectives of anthropology to address concrete challenges facing local communities and the world at large.

ANTHROPOLOGIST'S TOOLKIT

The tools needed to conduct fieldwork, including information, perspectives, strategies and even equipment.

QUANTITATIVE DATA

Statistical information about a community that can be measured and compared.

QUALITATIVE DATA

Descriptive data drawn from nonstatistical sources, including personal stories, interviews, life histories, and participant observation.

KEY INFORMANT

A community member who advises the anthropologist on community issues, provides feedback, and warns against cultural miscues. Also called cultural consultant.

LIFE HISTORY

A form of interview that traces the biography of a person over time, examining changes in the person's life and illuminating the interlocking network of relationships in the community.

SURVEY

An information-gathering tool for quantitative data analysis.

KINSHIP ANALYSIS

A fieldwork strategy of examining interlocking relationships of power built on marriage and family ties.

SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS

A method for examining relationships in a community, often conducted by identifying whom people turn to in times of need.

FIELD NOTES

The anthropologist's written observations and reflections on places, practices, events, and interviews.

MAPPING

The analysis of the physical and/or geographic space where fieldwork is being conducted.

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

The intentionally designed features of human settlement, including buildings, transportation and public service infrastructure, and public spaces.

ZEROS

Elements of a story or a picture that are not told or seen and yet offer key insights into issues that might be too sensitive to discuss or display publicly.

MUTUAL TRANSFORMATION

The potential for both the anthropologist and the members of the community being studied to be transformed by the interactions of fieldwork.

EMIC

An approach to gathering data that investigates how local people think and how they understand the world.

ETIC

Description of local behavior and beliefs from the anthropologist's perspective in ways that can be compared across cultures.

ETHNOLOGY

The analysis and comparison of ethnographic data across cultures.

POLYVOCALITY

The practice of using many different voices in ethnographic writing and research question development, allowing the reader to hear more directly from the people in the study.

INFORMED CONSENT

A key strategy for protecting those being studied by ensuring that they are fully informed of the goals of the project and have clearly indicated their consent to participate.

ANONYMITY

Protecting the identities of the people involved in a study by changing or omitting their names or other identifying characteristics.