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HCD 591E QUALITATIVE METHODS (ethnography)
4 hours (seminar)
Fall Semesters (odd years)
Course Objectives
The purpose of this course is to provide training in ethnographic or field research methods. Field research, which includes various forms of observation and interviewing, seeks to gain a comprehensive and holistic view of social life through the study of people in a wide range of natural settings. Particular emphasis will be given to families from diverse backgrounds (race-ethnicity, social class, sexual orientation, immigrant status, etc.), a range of community settings (schools, churches, agencies etc.), and groups within community settings (teachers, social workers, adolescents, adults, etc.). Students may use this course to select a field site of their choice and to begin pilot work for future theses and dissertations or continue ongoing research projects.
Initial course readings and lectures will familiarize you with the historical background of field research, as well various theoretical traditions informing ethnographic studies. The course will then examine design issues. Topics include site and informant selection considerations. Specific research strategies are discussed, such as participant observation, neighborhood observation, individual interviewing, and group interviewing. The course will examine data analytic strategies, including the use of computer-assisted analysis. Managing field relations will be a recurrent theme throughout the course. Key topics include establishing relationships, negotiating trust, managing closeness and distance, and addressing ethical issues.
The seminar will entail a combination of lecture, discussion, and hands-on exercises. The instructor will facilitate the class discussion of assigned readings. In some cases, the instructor will lecture on unassigned materials. Part of the period will be devoted to demonstrations of key research strategies and discussions of field assignments.
Topics
- Historical Background and Theoretical Perspectives
- Field Notes; Informed Consent
- Participant Observation; Ethical Issues
- Neighborhood Observation
- In-Depth Interviewing
- Field Relations I: Establishing Trust and Building Relationships
- Data Analysis I; Data Credibility
- Data Analysis II
- Focus Group Interviewing
- Field Relations II: Managing Closeness and Distance; Photo Elicitation Interviewing
- Writing Up Field Studies
- Leaving the Field
Graded Activities
Weekly field assignments will provide an opportunity to learn key field strategies. Detailed guidelines and instructions will be provided.Some assignment will require advance planning (i.e. locating a field site, submitting field notes, identifying participants for the focus group interview). The following equipment will be needed to carry out field assignments: a small portable tape-recorder (make sure it has a remote outlet for use with a foot pedal), foot pedal that can be attached to the tape recorder for transcribing, and an omni-directional microphone. These items can be purchased at Radio Shack.
- Placement in a Field Site. The participant observation phase of the course will entail involvement in a selected field site. You should spend a minimum of 3 hours per week in your field site observing and interacting with key individuals and/or groups. You will also be recording these observations and interactions in detailed field notes.
- Submission of Fieldnotes as Scheduled. All field notes should be typed using a word processing program (specific guidelines will be distributed). As a separate component of your fieldnotes, you may want to maintain a journal that documents your personal feelings about the fieldwork experience.
- Regular Class Attendance. A major portion of each class period is allotted to discussions of ongoing activities as well as hands-on demonstrations that will assist you in your field activities. The class also provides an opportunity to share field experiences with peers.
- Completion of Assigned Readings and Field Assignments. The success of the class depends on your active participation in weekly discussions. Therefore, readings and field assignments should be completed in advance of the class for which they are assigned.
- Final Paper: The final assignment will consist of a research proposal that uses qualitative research methods. Specific details will be provided.