Discussion topic:
Go to a public place and determine how you would conduct a study using classic ethnography to determine public behavior patterns. Post your summary here.
Discussion post:
Ethnography is a method of naturalistic study that can be succinctly described as “the art and science of describing a group and its culture.”^1 This mode of examination involves researchers acting as outsiders to a group who seek to gain the perspective of an insider of the group.^2 Perspective is gained through qualitative methods such as indirect observation and note taking and direct engagement with individuals of the group who act as “informants” through willing participation. Gathered data helps the ethnographer assess the “social scene” 2 of the group which helps add depth and understanding to gathered information. The most important aspect of the ethnographic study is how the information is used. The unique perspective gained through ethnographic inquiry enables positive changes and problem solving approaches that are meaningful and impactful on the subjects of the study.
As part of my community service project for this Medical Dosimetry program I have recently been volunteering as an assistant coach to the youth program at my local boxing gym. The youth boxing program serves a wide reaching demographic of families in our area. An interesting ethnographic study would be to examine why parents have enrolled their children in this program. To gather data for this study I would begin by using parents as informants. Through direct interviews I would ask the parents their reasoning for enrolling their children in the program and inquire as to why the parents chose boxing over another athletic activity. It seems some parents are just looking for a pastime for their children, some parents want a healthier lifestyle for their children, and some drive their children to develop a strong work ethic and sense of competitiveness. Direct interviews would give me a perspective of the “social scene”^2 and enable me better group and define the reasons parents have chosen boxing for their children. Through indirect methods I would observe how parents interact with their children before, during, and after classes and how this interaction affects the child’s motivation and involvement during the class. I would use my gathered data to group the parents and children based on their goals and reasons for attending classes. The unique information gained from ethnographic study would allow me to be a better coach by catering to the needs and goals of these individual groups.
References
Go to a public place and determine how you would conduct a study using classic ethnography to determine public behavior patterns. Post your summary here.
Discussion post:
Ethnography is a method of naturalistic study that can be succinctly described as “the art and science of describing a group and its culture.”^1 This mode of examination involves researchers acting as outsiders to a group who seek to gain the perspective of an insider of the group.^2 Perspective is gained through qualitative methods such as indirect observation and note taking and direct engagement with individuals of the group who act as “informants” through willing participation. Gathered data helps the ethnographer assess the “social scene” 2 of the group which helps add depth and understanding to gathered information. The most important aspect of the ethnographic study is how the information is used. The unique perspective gained through ethnographic inquiry enables positive changes and problem solving approaches that are meaningful and impactful on the subjects of the study.
As part of my community service project for this Medical Dosimetry program I have recently been volunteering as an assistant coach to the youth program at my local boxing gym. The youth boxing program serves a wide reaching demographic of families in our area. An interesting ethnographic study would be to examine why parents have enrolled their children in this program. To gather data for this study I would begin by using parents as informants. Through direct interviews I would ask the parents their reasoning for enrolling their children in the program and inquire as to why the parents chose boxing over another athletic activity. It seems some parents are just looking for a pastime for their children, some parents want a healthier lifestyle for their children, and some drive their children to develop a strong work ethic and sense of competitiveness. Direct interviews would give me a perspective of the “social scene”^2 and enable me better group and define the reasons parents have chosen boxing for their children. Through indirect methods I would observe how parents interact with their children before, during, and after classes and how this interaction affects the child’s motivation and involvement during the class. I would use my gathered data to group the parents and children based on their goals and reasons for attending classes. The unique information gained from ethnographic study would allow me to be a better coach by catering to the needs and goals of these individual groups.
References
- Lenards N. Research Design. [Softchalk]. La Crosse, WI: UW-L Medical Dosimetry Program; Last updated 2016. Accessed Feb. 2017.
- DePoy E, Gitlin L. Introduction to Research: Understanding and Applying Multiple Strategies.4th St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby; 2005.