An introduction to ethnography

1. Ethnography
• Once the observation and active data collection are concluded,
extract common themes from the data and interpret for significance.
• Strengths: great for exploratory research - develop a thorough
understanding of a group’s routines and interactions, as well as a rich
understanding of the context around that group.
• You may use a mixed methodology of data collection: observations
in situ, interviews (structured or unstructured), group interviews,
archival data analysis, etc.
• Create detailed field notes
Acquiring permission from a Chief of Police to interview & observe police
officers in the Investigative Services Unit for one month.
• Determine your role as the researcher. Observations can be done
overtly or covertly, and either as a non-participant or participant.
• Acquire permission and access into locations and populations by
working with decision makers & gatekeepers.
What are officer’s attitudes, perceptions, and behaviours towards
psychological wellness programs?
• Develop research questions and determine location and respondents
for research (e.g.. where will observations take place and who will be
observed?)
Code &
analyze
Develop
research
question
Acquire
access
Data
collection