Ethnography

Paper Summary:

This paper outlines the history of ethnography, the principle individuals behind its inception, and the manner in which data is collected. The paper also analyzes the strengths and weakness of ethnography and examines the ethical issues surrounding this type of research. In addition, this paper outlines circumstances when ethnography is a viable research tool and describes the manner in which it has been used in education research. Finally, the paper concludes with some well-known examples of ethnography.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Overview of Qualitative / Action-Based Research
History of Ethnography
Ethnography as a Viable Research Method
Strengths and Weaknesses of Ethnography
Ethical Issues Surrounding Ethnography
Ethnographical Research Used in Education Research
Well-Known Studies of Ethnography
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Other aspects of ethnographical research that can be considered weaknesses is the types of participant strategies that it involves. The first and most fundamental distinction among observational strategies concerns the extent to which the observer is also a participant in the program activities being studied. Weaknesses in have been pointed out in determining what kind of participation the researcher must engage in. According to Genzuk (2003), the extent of participation is a continuum which varies from complete immersion in the program as full participant to complete separation from the activities observed, taking on a role as spectator."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Adler, P. & P. (1987). Membership Roles in Field Research. Beverly Hills: Sage.
• Beach, D., Gobbo, F., Jeffrey, B., Smyth, G. & Troman, G. (2004). Ethnography of Education in a European Educational Researcher Perspective. European Educational Research Journal, (3)(3).
• Berg, B. (1989). Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
• Blase, J. & Blase, J. (1999). Principals' Instructional Leadership and Teacher Development: Teachers' Perspectives. Educational Administration Quarterly, 35(3), 349-378.
• Blumer, H. (1969). Symbolic Interactionism: Perspective and Method. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.

More papers on Ethnography:

• Essay # 26162 : "Ethnography and AIDS"
• Term Paper # 109570 : "Ethnography"
• Essay # 57341 : "Ethnography"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: