SSH 301 Chapter Notes - Chapter 9: Ethnography, Participant Observation
4 Sep 2016
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Typically participant observers and ethnographers gather further data through documents and interviews. Important and difficult steps in ethnography=gaining access to social setting one wants to research. Closed settings include organizations of various kinds such as firms, schools, cults and social movements. Open settings are areas where anyone can gain access such as libraries, parks and sidewalks. Assume of covert role to ease access problem. Covert role= don"t disclose you are a researcher. Fourfold distinction in forms of ethnography=open vs. closed setting and overt vs. covert role. Open vs. closed setting distinction is not hard and fast. Overt vs. covert distinction can vary from context to context. Preferred choice is an overt role, reasons for this have to do with practical and ethical considerations. Ethics of covert research involve issues of deception, lack of informed consent and invasion of privacy. Gaining access to most organizations requires strategic planning, hard work and sometimes luck. Organizational researchers have developed a range of tactics:
