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Fieldwork

Research method involving direct observation and interaction with people in their natural environment.

Professional Strangers

Researchers who enter a group to study it without being fully part of it.

Ethnography

Research method that combines observation and participation to gather data about cultures.

Complete Participant

A researcher who is fully involved in a group without revealing their research identity.

Participant-as-Observer

A researcher who joins a group but is open about their research.

Observer-as-Participant

A researcher who primarily observes with limited interaction.

Complete Observer

A researcher who only watches without engaging with the group.

Scratch Notes

Quickly jotted down notes to capture immediate observations.

Headnotes

Mental notes held in memory, written down later.

Full Fieldnotes

Detailed notes that include descriptions and analysis of observations.

Ethical Challenges

Concerns related to maintaining participant privacy and gaining trust in research.

Types of Interviews

Different formats for conducting interviews, including ethnographic, informant, respondent, narrative, and focus group interviews.

Context in Interviews

The environment in which an interview takes place can affect participant comfort and honesty.

Successful Interview

An interview characterized by trust, clear questioning, active listening, and avoiding leading questions.

Combining Methods

Using fieldwork and interviews together to gain a comprehensive understanding of social interactions and cultural meanings.

Technology in Fieldwork

Digital tools that assist in data collection, but raise privacy concerns.