Ethnographic Research Methods

This intensive microcredential is designed to equip professionals to undertake ethnographic research using methods that access data inaccessible through other means. It teaches learners how and when to apply qualitative research methods such as: • participant observation; • qualitative, open-ended, semi-or-unstructured interviews; • unobtrusive observation; • time allocation surveys and diaries; and • semantic domain analysis. Learning Outcomes • Understand how to apply key Ethnographic research concepts, practices and processes. • Have experience using a variety of qualitative research methods and discern the strengths and weaknesses of each ethnographic research method. • Understand the use of ethnographic research methods across disciplines and applied fields. • Develop skills in analysing cultural texts (written and oral). • Develop skills in textual analysis and field note coding and analysis. • Demonstrate the ability to discuss a range of qualitative research techniques and their application with peers and experts. • Possess the knowledge to competently apply field research techniques as a field researcher in a variety of occupational fields. • Have experience in writing about ethnographic research in two genres: the research proposal and the ethnographic essay. Key Topics • Introduction to concepts such as human research ethics; participant observation and ethnographic fieldnotes. • Introduction to the advantages and disadvantages of observation protocols, spatial observation tools, and time allocation surveys and when each technique is most effective. • Discuss techniques including time allocation; interviewing; focus groups; and project design. • Explore ways to analyse cultural texts, including using cultural or semantic domain analysis. Discuss progress of self-ethnography projects. • Explore ways to analyse material, including pop culture and cultural texts. • Analysis of a selection of ethnographic texts and the research methods used by authors such as the use of participant observation. • Analysing Ethnographic writing techniques of unconventional social worlds (e.g. online worlds) • Individual project presentations, including discussion of the research question, research techniques used, and kinds of data gathered using participant-observation. Activities • Online ethics module for social science research • Observational foray - group field research exercise • Brainstorm ideas for ethnographic research projects • Personal time allocation diary • Interviews and probes • Mapping cultural/semantic domains • Writing a research proposal for personal ethnography and providing feedback to others • Demonstration of the use of EverNote software to catalogue, sort and start to analyse qualitative data • Individual presentations on ethnography texts • Group exercise in etic vs. emic writing • Discussing independent research project(s) • Self-ethnography project presentation Volume of Learning 36 Hours