Ethnographic Fieldwork

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Ethnographic fieldwork involves several steps. The first step is to select a site. After site selection, the ethnographer must formulate a question. The third step in this process is to perform preparatory research. Next, ethnographers take part in participant observation and gathering data. Finally, the ethnographer takes all of their findings and brings them together to answer their question. Steps one (selecting a site), step two (forming a question), and step three (preparatory research) are all steps that you take during the preparation phase. During step one, an ethnographer must decide where they want their research to take place. Most often, they chose a foreign country and a culture or ethnic group that is very different from their own. During step one, work is also done to secure funding for the research and to gain permission from whatever community they will be studying. The second step in preparing for fieldwork is creating a question. Many times the ethnographer will visit the site before finalizing his/her …show more content…

This is the actual field work. Key consultants are a big part of the actual fieldwork. Key consultants are people within the group being studied that can translate, explain what is going on, and better help the fieldworker understand everything that they are observing and taking part in. Fieldwork consists of observation, participation, and gathering data. Data is gathered in a number of ways besides observation like surveys, interviews, mapping, filming, and taking photographs. Most importantly, an ethnographer must remember that they are a participant observer during fieldwork. They participate and observe. In no way should they try to change or manipulate any part of the society they are studying. The final step is to bring all of your findings together. This is done in many different ways like documentaries, articles, sound recordings,

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