11a Ethnography and Participant Observation Flashcards

What is an exmaple of an open ended interview question?

How did you first get interested in this topic?

What do focus groups allow researchers to see?

• How different people approach an issue

• Generational dialogue differences between groups and how they influence one another

What are balanced-type interviews?

Interviews where interviewer asks question to extent but mostly let participant speak

What is ethnography

• Study of people and culture in naturally occuring settings

• Aim = understanding how people work/function in natural environments

Is ethnography common in Health Sciences HSCI

• Not as common

• Could still used depending on study type - especially when talking to people working in specific areas

What methods are used in ethnography?

• Interviews, document studying, artifact studying, participant observation

Where is ethnography rooted?

In anthropology - study people within their communities

How does a researcher’s perspective matter in ethnography?

Researcher’s influence and interpretation shape how events and actions are understood

Why is access to community important in ethnography

• Immerse themselves in community - build trust and acceptance before conducting research

How much time might an ethnographer need to spend in a community?

Many months living and understanding the community

What is overt research

When people know they are being studied

What is covert research?

When people don’t know they are being studied - this is becoming less common

What are open/public settings? Give examples

Places anyone can attend

• Ex. youth gang members in public parks

What are closed settings? Give examples

Areas not accessible to outsiders

• Ex. Canadian youth shelters

How can a researcher access closed settings?

Through a gatekeeper or key contact who vouches for them and facilitates their involvement

What much researchers communicate when seeking access?

• Time commitment

• Aims/methods

• Be willing to negotiate level of access

In covert research what is needed for access?

Suitable social roles allowing resaercher to blend in

Why can ongoing access be problematic in ethnography?

• People may dislike how they’re portrayed

• Trust must be maintainted

• Researcher not in control of what participants say or do

How do researchers deal with changing circumstances?

Adapting, renegotiating roles and being open to evolving dynamics

What are key informants in ethnographic research?

• Participants who are especially knowledgable or cooperative

• Help researcher gain access and insights

What is a limitiation of key informants?

• Might not represent entire group or community

What is complete participation?

Fully covert role - reseracher pretends to be part of group without reveling they are researcher

What is the participant as observer role?

Reseracher will engage in activity and is known to be a researcher

What is the observer as participant role

Researcher observes from the edge and talks to participants but doesn’t engage much

What is the complete observer role

Researcher does not engage but observes and documents while possibly conducting interviews

What determines whether a researcher is active or passive

Nature of the setting - active roles can be dangerous in some nevironments

What are field notes in ethnography?

Detailed documentation of observations - includes written, mental and jotted notes

What are analytic memos?

Interpretations and reflections based on field notes, (notes on data - not the data itself )

What is visual ethnography?

Use of visual materials like photos and videos to understand experiences and perspectives

What is photovoice?

Method where participants photographs aspects of daily lives and interpret them - used in studies like LGBTQ youth health

What does institutional ethnography examine?

How institutional processes and power affect people’s daily lives and experiences

What is the focus of institutional ethnography?

Contrast between institutional representations and rel lived experiences

What is purposive sampling?

Selecting specific individuals for relevant insight

What is snowball sampling

Ask participants to refer others who meet study criteria

What is theoretical sampling

Sampling based on emerging data and theory to develop concepts

When does data collection stop in ethnography

When no new data emerges - saturation

What are common reasons for ending fieldwork?

Saturation, personal/practical issues, radiness to leave field

What ethical aspects are considered when ending ethnographic research?

Saying goodbye respectfully, acknowledging harm or benefits, sharing results thoughtfully