Designing Ethnographic Research in Technical Communication: Case Study Theory into Application

1987 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 325-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice E. Moorhead
Keyword(s):  
Field Study ◽  
Technical Communication ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Communication Studies ◽  
Ethnographic Approach ◽  
Additional Constraints

Field study, using an ethnographic approach, offers a potentially powerful methodology for the technical communication researcher, a methodology that provides a useful balance to the strengths and weaknesses of experiments and surveys. Technical communication studies, however, exhibit not only the typical constraints of field research but several additional constraints inherent to research conducted on-the-job in business, industry, and government, which deserve consideration when designing research.

Ethnographic Research

2021 ◽  
pp. 138-159
Keyword(s):  
Research Method ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Separate Entity ◽  
Ethnographic Approach ◽  
The Stranger ◽  
Theoretical Foundations ◽  
Final Text

This chapter considers some of the essential features of ethnography as a qualitative method. The main theoretical foundations of ethnographic approach are explained; however, the emphasis is mainly on how ethnography is done. Thus, the techniques for collecting data used by ethnographers take the central part of this chapter with some special attention to the methodology of observation. Through many examples, the authors describe the various forms of observation as a social research method. It is useful to illustrate the approach of the ethnographer through the metaphor of the “stranger” because “reflexivity” is an important part of the qualitative approach of ethnography. The practicalities of recording the field research and writing memos are fully considered in conjunction with practical suggestions and conceptual discussion, including the writing up of the final text which should be the conclusion of a consequential process, rather than a separate entity.

The Informant as Resolute Overseer

2002 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
pp. 231-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Kaufmann
Keyword(s):  
Participant Observation ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Research Participant ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Host Family ◽  
Long Period ◽  
Access Channel ◽  
Wide Line ◽  
Participant Observer

In this paper I take into account informants who oversee fieldworkers in local arenas. My intention is not to question the importance of participant-observation as the hallmark of field research but to elevate the recognition of informants in fieldwork. The argument centers on local overseers who are integral to participant-observation by controlling more of what the researcher observes, and with whom one participates, than they are usually given credit for in the literature. I intentionally use “overseer” rather than the usual “gatekeeper” label to convey a strong sense of informant involvement in ethnographic research (cf. Ellen 1984 where “gatekeeper” is used to describe a range of actors who control access, channel activities, and so on). The case study is drawn from my experiences with a host family in southwest Madagascar with whom I lived for 10 months in 1997.There are different ways of representing informants in the literature. One way is to draw a wide line between informant and participant-observer. Informants are defined as local people who willingly provide information to participant-observers. Participant-observers are non-locals involved in intense interaction with members of a community over a long period such as a year. The two are not to overlap. Evans-Pritchard found informants vital to his Azande research, participant-observation central to his Nuer fieldwork. “Azande would not allow me to live as one of themselves; Nuer would not allow me to live otherwise. Among Azande I was compelled to live outside the community; among Nuer I was compelled to be a member of it” (Evans-Pritchard 1940:15). This tradition, of treating each as a separate method, is widespread (see, for example, Bernard 1995:136-79; Casagrande 1960; Ellen 1984; Freilich 1970:541; Herskovits 1955:376; Jackson 1997:188; Malinowski 1961:1-25; Pelto and Pelto 1973:242-43; Spradley 1980:177).

scholarly journals PARTISIPASI MASYARAKAT MUSLIM BANDA ACEH DALAM PERAYAAN RITUAL PANGGHUNI UTHIRAM

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 69
Author(s):  
Muhammad Muhammad
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Field Study ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Muslim Community ◽  
Religious Ritual ◽  
Effective Form ◽  
Muslim Communities ◽  
Banda Aceh

Participation of the Muslim community in the celebration of the Panghuni Uthiram Ritual (case study in Banda Aceh). In 2014, to be precise on Sunday, April 20 2014, the Hindus of Banda Aceh celebrated a religious ritual called Maha Puja Panghuni Uthiram Triruvila at the Palani Andawer Temple, Gampong Keudah, Kuta Raja District, Banda Aceh City. The religious procession received widespread attention from the majority Muslim Banda Acehnese, so they came in droves to witness the ritual up close. The formulation of the problem is to find out how the form and level of participation of the Muslim community in Banda Aceh City in the celebration of the Panghuni Uthiram Ritual and what are the factors that encourage and prevent the Muslim community in Banda Aceh from participating in the celebration of the Panghuni Uthiram Ritual. To answer the problems that arise and the achievement of objectives, this research is a field study (Field Research), the method used in the preparation of this thesis uses qualitative and descriptive methods and for data collection is done by interviewing several respondents who are in accordance with the discussion, observation, and documentation. . Judging by the current phenomenon, both Muslim and non-Muslim communities in Gampong Keudah have been able to form a good participation in the celebration of the Panghuni Uthiram Ritual in Hinduism. The form of participation that occurs in Gampong Keudah is in the form of personnel participation. This happens because energy is considered the easiest and most effective form of participation. The participation of energy also prevents the Muslim community from directly interacting with the Panghuni Uthiram ritual celebration activities.

Ethnographic Research

2022 ◽  
pp. 170-184
Author(s):  
Icarbord Tshabangu ◽  
Stefano Ba' ◽  
Silas Memory Madondo
Keyword(s):  
Research Method ◽  
Social Research ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Separate Entity ◽  
Ethnographic Approach ◽  
The Stranger ◽  
Theoretical Foundations ◽  
Final Text

This chapter considers some of the essential features of ethnography as a qualitative method. The main theoretical foundations of ethnographic approach are explained; however, the emphasis is mainly on how ethnography is done. Thus, the techniques for collecting data used by ethnographers take the central part of this chapter with some special attention to the methodology of observation. Through many examples, the authors describe the various forms of observation as a social research method. It is useful to illustrate the approach of the ethnographer through the metaphor of the “stranger” because “reflexivity” is an important part of the qualitative approach of ethnography. The practicalities of recording the field research and writing memos are fully considered in conjunction with practical suggestions and conceptual discussion, including the writing up of the final text which should be the conclusion of a consequential process, rather than a separate entity.

Motivating Growth in Low-tech Manufacturing Industries

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi HERTZ
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Sustainable Competitive Advantage ◽  
Manufacturing Plants ◽  
Footwear Industry ◽  
Technological Platform ◽  
Qualitative Methodologies ◽  
Developed World ◽  
Depth Interviews

Intensive manual labor enterprises in the developed world face challenges competing with products imported from countries where manufacturing costs are low. This reduces the volume of domestic production and leads to rapid loss of knowledge and experience in production processes. This study focuses on the Israeli footwear industry as a case study. Qualitative methodologies were applied, including in-depth interviews and field observations. A literature review on previous research, and contemporary trends was conducted. The field research examines challenges along the value chain in small factories. It finds that mass production paradigms impose a decentralized process between designers and manufacturers and therefore do not leverage local potential into a sustainable competitive advantage for small factories. The proposed solution is a digital and technological platform for small manufacturing plants. The platform mediates and designs the connections between production, technology, and design and enables the creation of a joint R&D system.

Sistem Dakwah Pondok Pesantren At-Tawazun dalam Mengatasi Problematika Santri

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 329-346
Author(s):  
Iyam Marhamah ◽  
Yaya Yaya ◽  
Asep Sodiqin
Keyword(s):  
Output Feedback ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Boarding School ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Young Generation ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
The Times ◽  
Considerable Benefit

Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk menggambarkan sistem dakwah Pondok Pesantren At-Tawazun ditinjau melalui sistem terbuka mulai dari tahap input, conversion, output, feedback, hingga environment dalam upaya mengatasi problematika santri yang dipengaruhi oleh perkembangan zaman. Penelitian yang dilakukan ini menggunakan metode studi kasus dengan pendekatan kualitatif dan spesifikasi penelitian field research (penelitian lapangan). Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa keberadaan pondok pesantren At-Tawazun dirasakan cukup besar manfaatnya oleh orang tua maupun masyarakat. Lembaga dakwah dan pendidikan ini telah ikut berkontribusi dalam menanggulangi masalah sosial dan kenakalan remaja yang semakin rumit, sehingga mampu memberikan lulusan santri yang brakhlak, berbudi luhur dan mampu mengamalkan ilmunya di masyarakat. Lebih dari itu, kehadiran pondok pesantren At-Tawazun diharapkan dapat mengatasi akulturasi budaya yang menyimpang di era sekarang ini. Sehingga semangat generasi muda kita dapat disalurkan terhadak hal-hal positif, untuk kemajuan Agama dan Negara. This paper aims to describe the da’wah system of At-Tawazun Islamic Boarding School through an open system starting from the input, conversion, output, feedback, and environment stages in an effort to overcome the problems of santri that are influenced by the times. This research uses case study method with qualitative approach and field research specification (field research). The results of this study indicate that the existence of the At-Tawazun Islamic Boarding Scool was felt to be of considerable benefit by parent and community. This da’wah and education institution has contributed to tackling social problems and juvenile delinquency that are increasingly complicated, so as to be able to provide graduates who are morally, virtous and able to practice their knowledge in the community, moreover, the presence of the At-Tawazun Islamic Boarding School is expected to overcome the deviant cultural acculturation in the present era. So that the spirit of our young generation can be channeled suddenly to positive things, for the advancement of Religion and the state.

PERSIAN GARDENS IN COLD AND DRY CLIMATE: A CASE STUDY OF TABRIZ’S HISTORICAL GARDENS

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 193
Author(s):  
Ahad Nejad Ebrahimi ◽  
Farnaz Nazarzadeh ◽  
Elnaz Nazarzadeh
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Study ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Field Study ◽  
Cold Climate ◽  
Natural Substrate ◽  
Garden Design ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
North West ◽  
Special Expertise

Throughout history, gardens and garden designing has been in the attention of Persian architects who had special expertise in the construction of gardens. The appearance of Islam and allegories of paradise taken from that in Koran and Saints’ sayings gave spirituality to garden construction. Climate conditions have also had an important role in this respect but little research has been done about it and most of the investigations have referred to spiritual aspects and forms of garden. The cold and dry climate that has enveloped parts of West and North West of Iran has many gardens with different forms and functions, which have not been paid much attention to by studies done so far. The aim of this paper is to identify the features and specifications of cold and dry climate gardens with an emphasis on Tabriz’s Gardens.  Due to its natural and strategic situation, Tabriz has always been in the attention of governments throughout history; travellers and tourists have mentioned Tabriz as a city that has beautiful gardens. But, the earthquakes and wars have left no remains of those beautiful gardens. This investigation, by a comparative study of the climates in Iran and the effect of those climates on the formation of gardens and garden design, tries to identify the features and characteristics of gardens in cold and dry climate. The method of study is interpretive-historical on the basis of written documents and historic features and field study of existing gardens in this climate. The results show that, with respect to natural substrate, vegetation, the form of water supply, and the general form of the garden; gardens in dry and cold climate are different from gardens in other climates.

A LOOK INTO THE EARTH: EVALUATING THE USE OF MAGNETIC SURVEY IN AFRICAN ARCHAEOLOGY

2004 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Magnavita ◽  
Norbert Schleifer
Keyword(s):  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Magnetic Survey ◽  
The Past ◽  
Common Technique ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Prehistoric Settlements ◽  
Present Case Study

In the last decades, geophysical methods such as magnetic survey have become a common technique for prospecting archaeological sites. At sub-Saharan archaeological sites, however, magnetic survey and correlated techniques never came into broad use and there are no signs for an immediate change of this situation. This paper examines the magnetic survey undertaken on the Nigerian site of Zilum, a settlement of the Gajiganna Culture (ca 1800-400 BC) located in the Chad Basin and dated to ca 600-400 BC. By means of the present case study, we demonstrate the significance of this particular type of investigation in yielding complementary data for understanding the character of prehistoric settlements. In conclusion, we point out that geophysical methods should play a more important role in modern archaeological field research, as they furnish a class of documentation not achievable by traditional survey and excavation methods, thus creating new perspectives for interpreting the past of African societies.

What is Ethnography? Teaching ethnographic sensibilities without fieldwork

Journal ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carole McGranahan
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Cultural Group ◽  
Pedagogical Strategies ◽  
Ethnographic Approach ◽  
Learn By Doing ◽  
Do So

How do we teach undergraduate students to think ethnographically, to recognize something as ethnographic and not just as qualitative? Importantly, how do we do so not in the field, where students might learn by doing their own research, but in the static classroom? One approach is to have students cultivate a concept, awareness, and practice of an ethnographic sensibility, that is, of a sense of the ethnographic as the lived expectations, complexities, contradictions, possibilities, and ground of any given cultural group. Such a view opens up an understanding of ethnography and ethnographic research as more than available qualitative methods. Instead, it takes an ethnographic approach to be an epistemological one. Yet, how might we do this? In this article, I discuss my pedagogical strategies for teaching students an ethnographic sensibility without having them conduct fieldwork. I argue that it is both possible and valuable to generate an ethnographic sensibility in the classroom. 

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