SOC387H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Thick Description, Ethnography, Emic And Etic
Document Summary
Researcher participates or is in the midst of life of the people being studied: participant observation, interviews, film, photography, recording etc. Thick description: extensive details of the words, behaviours, and social context of the meaning-making. Interpretation of the textual context of field notes, interview transcripts, memos etc. Emic views (insider"s view: researchers understand the world through the natives view. Etic view: researchers uncover the hidden meanings of the group, these meanings are outside the general perceptions of the group, they arise through a researcher"s explanation and analysis. Becoming invisible: people start associating you with the people you"re hanging out with. Notes that resemble diary entries that recount observations. Dates, times, sensory impressions, facts, insider language, personal responses. Record verbal exchanges, like interviews, overheard conversations, discussions, arguments and so forth. Record practices, like actions, interactions and activities. The problem with memory: recalled conversations are not verbatim conversations , digital or tape recording is the best way to ensure verbatim conversations.
