Memo Option 1 Ethnographic Field Observations Introduction: Ethnography refers t

Memo Option 1 Ethnographic Field Observations
Introduction:
Ethnography refers to both the activity and the product of cultural anthropology and sociology. This activity lets you practice and experience ethnographic fieldwork by doing participant observation in the real world. When you’re finished, you will have a better appreciation for what ethnographic fieldwork is and how it is used to do research.
Learning outcomes:
1. Define ethnographic methods (see notes chapter 1)
2. Practice ethnographic methods and understand how the sociological
perspective
of field work (chapter 1 and chapter 4)
3. Observe social life and examine social interactions (chapter 4)
Fieldwork:
You will go out into public. Depending on our social distancing mandates, you choose where to go – a park, a mall, Target, a walk on your street, or a hike, etc. If restaurants and other more public gathering places are open, take advantage of these places where people gather. If you are on the Hospital and College campus, consider the cafeteria, the bookstore, the waiting areas, study areas, library, etc.
Your main research question is, “What is going on here?” Pretend that you are a foreign visitor. Your goal is to gain a rich, in depth, holistic view of what this space is, people are doing, and how they are interacting with the space and each other. Clearly, our campus context sets the stage. Depending on where you go you may position yourself in various ways on the continuum from full participation to detached observation.
Take notes and fill at least 2 pages with observations and questions about what you see. If people ask what you are doing, be open and honest. Let them know this is for a class assignment
Memo Questions
A. Record the time, date, and general and specific location. What is the duration and exact place of your observations?
B. Note the aspects of the physical setting (e.g., sights, sounds, touch, and smell). The more detail the better!
Sociology 101, Online
Memo Option 1 Ethnographic Field Observations
C. What do you notice about the people (e.g., who is here? What can you accurately observe about their age, race, and sex? What are they doing?
How are they dressed, talking, walking, interacting with others, etc.?
Are there any conversations you hear (What topics do you overhear?
Includedirectquoteswhenyoucan,butbemindfuloftheHospital
setting–think HIPPA.)
Note the social interactions and norms (e.g., the “rules” for this setting,
including how they are upheld and how they differ by person) and
behaviors (e.g., people’s responses to each other).
What are your own feelings, emotions, and reactions (e.g., Do you feel
awkward because someone might be staring at you?)
Why do you think the people that you are observing are here? Be specific.
j.What was it like to do participant observation? What seems fun, easy, or
enjoyable about it? What seems difficult, strange, or awkward about it?
Share your experiences.
k. If you were going to spend a year doing participant observation, where
would you want to go?
How does ethnographic fieldwork help shape your understanding of the
anthropological and sociological perspectives?