Premium Essay

Ethnographic Observation

In:

Submitted By maivanket
Words 2312
Pages 10
Ethnographic Observation TSL 4520
Grading Rubric
Background (Milde, R., 2001)
Common wisdom tells us that there are, in general, two kinds of writing: creative and expository. Creative writing tells about feelings, opinions, points of view, things that originate inside the writer. Expository essays tell about facts, things outside of the writer. Essays on literature examine a literary text, a thing outside the writer. Lab reports describe experiments with chemicals and other stuff that really exists and can be measured. Research is factual; fiction, poetry, and the personal story are emotional.
Wrong. Writing is not that simple. The farther you go in your academic or professional career, the less you are able to simply report what you see. The more you know about your chosen field, the more you realize that the researcher argues for his/her point of view even as he/she reports the facts. When we ask how to provide medical care, how to enforce the law, how to work in the legal profession, how to do science, how to educate children – when we ask how any profession should be done – there is always more than one possible answer. We have to decide which answers work best, and the research almost always provides some evidence for both (or many) sides. Facts mean nothing without interpretation – we have to decide what the facts mean, what their consequences are.
So we need to get used to using facts, not just reporting them. We need to write expository essays that include our own opinions and points of view.
Ethnography is a science that allows for this kind of writing. Ethnographers study social communities (“cultures”) from the inside out – the researcher lives in and among the people she studies for months or years, speaking the language, participating in daily life. He or she takes copious notes on the details of everyday life. He transcribes thousands of

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Ethnographic Observation Assignment

...Anthropology 202 Fall 2015 Instructor: Ian Kalman Written Assignment: Ethnographic Observation This assignment is an exercise in ethnographic observation. Students are asked to choose a location in the Montreal area for a field site. There, they will spend at least an hour, taking (hand-written) notes on what they observe. Successful sites are those in which, to some extent, what is considered ‘normal’ differs from the observer’s own sense of normal. In other words, students are asked to go to a place where taken-for-granted knowledge differs from their own and report on their experiences and insights. In doing so, you make something that was previously strange slightly more familiar, and write about it. Students are then asked to write their papers in two parts, including both a description and analysis of their experience (total 1800 words maximum). Analyses should be no more than 400 words. Papers will be assigned a grade based on the success with which they, (1) demonstrate they have chosen a site appropriate for anthropological observation, (2) richly describe what they observed, and (3) draw out and support interesting interpretations rooted in their experience. Assignments count for 30% of the student’s final grade. Unexcused late submissions will be penalized five points per day of lateness. Papers must be submitted in word format electronically before 2:30PM on Tuesday, October 20th. Please note that as this is an electronic submission, you will be...

Words: 1203 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Ethnographic Observation: C-Town

...Ethnographic Observations: C-Town C-Town is a moderate sized store located on fifth avenue on the corner of forty-seventh street. I observed the supermarket on a busy Saturday morning; the store was absolutely packed and there was barely any room to move around. Upon entering the store, one can clearly see the first aisle, which was full of fruits and vegetables. The produce section was full of people trying to grab an assortment of different fruits and vegetables. Most people had some sort of produce in their cart. As I navigated through the produce section, I noticed a lot of people were grabbing green chili peppers. A father and his two little children were looking at the grapes and the little boy asked his father if they could get some grapes. Another woman was looking at the lettuce, she decided to take one and she put it into her cart. In the middle of the produce aisle most people were trying to grab some tomatoes. Most people filled their clear plastic bags to the top; one woman told the person she was with to go grab some tomatoes before they ran out....

Words: 819 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Bookstore Cafe Ethnographic Observation

...TITLE: OBSERVATION AT A POPULAR BOOKSTORE CAFÉ Over the past few years, commercial spaces have become areas for multifunction activities. Along with the availability of gourmet coffee, food, ample seating, and free WIFI bookstore cafes have welcomed a clientele that blends leisure, social and work related activities. In this context, a local popular Barnes and Noble bookstore cafe served as the perfect environment to perform a field observation for this assignment and to explore customer behaviors and reasons for patronizing this particular establishment. Nestled in a busy Shopping Center on the east side of a traffic jammed Central Avenue, in Westchester County, Barnes and Noble bookstore is surrounded by a movie theater, restaurants, popular stores, and ample parking. This observation was performed at this establishment during one two-hour visit on a cold weekday mid afternoon between 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm. Upon entering through the main heavy double doors, a strong inviting aroma of toast and brewed coffee permeated from the “Café” located to the left, far north end past the magazine section. This was a busy place buzzing with loud sounds of blenders, toast popping out of toasters, grinding coffee, milk frothing, calling of drinks and food by the baristas, and, back and forth chatters between customers. Outside, pedestrians wearing heavy coats peered in through a series of large windows as the mid afternoon light poured in creating a bright and warm...

Words: 1176 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

"B" Ethnographic Observation on N.a

...be. Coming from a household where many of my relatives used, or still use I can tell a variety of devastating stories due to their disease. For example my thirty-year-old brother living in isolation due to the failure of the Erikson’s Psychosocial “Young Adulthood” Stage; because of his addiction to cocaine and alcohol. Another example is my father having an unstable relationship with not only his wife, but as well as my little brother and I. Even some of my own friends are somewhat connected with the issue of drug abuse. For instance some of my African American, Hispanic, Caucasian friends who use occasionally are young parents and or suffer financially, and has had some type of incarceration in their past. Throughout my participant observation I noticed the engagements of multicultural addicts and how they were similarly structured in Narcotic Anonymous. By living a couple of traumatic situations related with either alcohol and or drugs I’ve witnessed similar stories through my peers. For instance when my father was headed towards an Alcoholic Anonymous meeting with such exasperation a drunk driver crashed with our car. At the time of this car accident I was about four years old, and my baby brother about a couple weeks old. Since, my mother had my little brother in her arms in the front seat he fractured his skull then leaving him with a permanent brain injury. Similarly my oldest brother whom was affiliated with a gang and obviously did drugs and other illicit things got...

Words: 2355 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

Naturalistic Observation

...Naturalistic Observations Jesicca Jupin Argosy University ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is an overview of ethnographic lessons. The subject of this report is to witness individuals in a local restaurant in order to find some varieties of ethnic types pertaining to the witnessed individuals. This assignment involves observation, explanation and a breakdown of what was perceived, possible employment, amount and site of individuals and the layout of the restaurant. In addition, this paper consists of an explanation of the used approach. INTRODUCTION As an overview into ethnographic, this disposition will reflect four areas, the research question, methodical transcripts, and an investigation to determine and refer to the perceived ethnic outlook, and recording and briefing the outcomes to take in conversation. DISCUSSION Research question: What was earned from this study? As a long-term citizen in this area, I am mindful of the degree of living in this diversely driven culture. I have connected with these people for 16 years. In keeping fairness, the procedure of recording anything that is witnessed and overheard is vital to providing accurate outcomes. Every effort will be thoroughly considered to reduce prejudice throughout the study of this ethnographic learning. Yet, independence is achieved and continuous through the rationality of the findings to draw the same rational conclusions. Location for the study: The observation was accomplished for the duration...

Words: 1329 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Factors Affecting Bsmt Students Study Habit

...to campus, Field Study Seminar assists students in analyzing and interpreting their experiences, culminating in a major academic paper. An HDSR field study differs from a conventional internship or practicum in important ways. The main difference lies in the purpose. The primary purpose of a conventional internship or practicum is for the student to perform a job and learn skills that will be useful in a future career. In contrast, the HDSR Field Study is an ethnographic research project. Its main purpose is for the student to hone his or her analytical skills and gain insight into the dynamics of the organization in larger societal context. That is not to say that the job, in and of itself, is not important. HDSR students are expected to work diligently, and make every effort to contribute to the organization in positive ways, along with the added dimension of observing and analyzing the organization. An HDSR field study might be thought of as a conventional internship/practicum, volunteer or paid position, plus ethnographic fieldwork. There are two HDSR Faculty members with whom you will work closely during all phases of your Field Study. Each has specific roles and responsibilities, depending on each stage of your Field Study—Pre, During, or Post—and each will assist you in meeting your responsibilities along the way. Pre-Field Study During Field Study and...

Words: 4686 - Pages: 19

Free Essay

Observation

...FIELDNOTES: A GUIDE FOR RESEARCHERS Fieldnotes: "The observations written by a researcher at a research site, during an interview, and throughout the data collection process" (FW, 501). I. REQUIREMENTS Much of the hard work of ethnography happens in the observations and fieldnotes. At times, you’ll feel as though it’s tedious to take fieldnotes; however, taking detailed notes gives you a set of data from which to look for patterns and ideas. In order to complete your field notes successfully, you will need to: General Requirements Spend at least one hour a week observing your community; While you’re observing, write substantial (3+ pages of observation weekly) field notes. Take time after you’ve observed to write meaningful, thoughtful questions and reflections on the “analysis” side of your double-entry field notes (explained in “Strategies” below). Date each entry, and number each page (This is vital! If you fail to date and number each page of your fieldnotes, you will be lost when it comes time to write up your research and prepare your Research Portfolio for the Celebration of Student Writing) Write legibly enough that someone else could read them. Keep them organized (in your Research Portfolio, among your artifacts and other fieldwork) Taking good fieldnotes requires that to divide the process into two phases: (1) notes you take while you are in the field (Observational/Descriptive fieldnotes) and (2) notes you take after you return...

Words: 1218 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Study Note Guide

...FIELDNOTES: A GUIDE FOR RESEARCHERS Fieldnotes: "The observations written by a researcher at a research site, during an interview, and throughout the data collection process" (FW, 501). |I. REQUIREMENTS[1] | Much of the hard work of ethnography happens in the observations and fieldnotes. At times, you’ll feel as though it’s tedious to take fieldnotes; however, taking detailed notes gives you a set of data from which to look for patterns and ideas. In order to complete your field notes successfully, you will need to: General Requirements ? Spend at least one hour a week observing your community; ? While you’re observing, write substantial (3+ pages of observation weekly) field notes. ? Take time after you’ve observed to write meaningful, thoughtful questions and reflections on the “analysis” side of your double-entry field notes (explained in “Strategies” below). ? Date each entry, and number each page (This is vital! If you fail to date and number each page of your fieldnotes, you will be lost when it comes time to write up your research and prepare your Research Portfolio for the Celebration of Student Writing) ? Write legibly enough that someone else could read them. ? Keep them organized (in your Research Portfolio, among your artifacts and other fieldwork) Taking good fieldnotes requires that to...

Words: 1256 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Aspects of Psychology Unit 2 Ip1

...Psy206-1004A-101 Aspects of Psychology Unit 1 IP1 Kevin J. Penn September 10, 2010 American InterContinental University Online Abstract The following compares and contrast of Naturalistic Obersavation and Correlational research. Which includes the research techniques reliability and validity strengths and weakness and generalizability. There are many different ways of collecting information and data to compare different types of things that happen from the past, present and to help predict the future. The research methods that I have compared are Naturalistic observation and Correlational research method. Like any thing else that they are more than one way of obtaining something there are differences and similarities that researchers can use to help them obtain their objective. The correlational research method is one in which the facts are utilizes facts to form links with an assortment of dependent variables. In most cases it is the one that is used first to give a basis before experiments can begin. There are three types of correlational research, observational, survey, and archival (Schmidt, 2000). Observational research includes items that can be tangibly recorded, for example, reporting for work and production. Survey research refers to the statistics that can be found by questioning subjects; for example, comparing the associations between couples who live together and divorce rates (Schmidt, 2000). Archival research deals...

Words: 762 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Abnormal Psychology

...Nissa Lewis William Carey University   Contemporary Psychology 2 Abstract The definition of psychology has changed as the focus of psychology has changed. At various Times in history, psychology has been defined as the study of the psyche or the mind, of the Spirit, of consciousness, and more recently as the study of, or the science of, behavior. Perhaps, Then, we can arrive at and acceptable definition of modern psychology by observing the activities Of contemporary psychologist. These are just a few of the activities that engage contemporary psychologists. Clearly, no single definition of psychology can take into consideration the wide variety of activities engaged in by the more than 148,000 members and affiliates of the American Psychological Association, not to mention the many other psychologists around the world.   Contemporary Psychology 3 Introduction to Contemporary Psychology The definition of psychology has changed as the focus of psychology has changed. At various times in history, psychology has been defined as the study of the psyche or the mind, of the spirit, of consciousness, and more recently as the study of, or the science of, behavior. Perhaps, then, we can arrive at and acceptable definition of modern psychology by observing the activities of contemporary psychologist. These are...

Words: 691 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Perception

...College Material Appendix E Peer Perception Survey Rational: You often give people a certain perception of yourself without intending to or even knowing about it. The intention of this survey is to help provide insight on how others perceive you, so if you are giving others an unintended impression, you have the opportunity to change your behavior. This is a powerful tool and the first step in ensuring that you are communicating in the manner intended. Instructions: Write your name in the first blank of the following survey and then distribute it to three to seven people whose opinion you value and in whom you trust. They can be friends or acquaintances; the most important thing is that they be someone who provides you with an honest opinion. Their names need not be included on the survey form. Collect the survey forms and then use them to complete this week’s assignment as outlined in the course syllabus. PEER PERCEPTION SURVEY Instructions: _________________ has asked you to fill out this survey to help him/her better understand how he/she is perceived by others. Please answer the following questions regarding your perception of him/her. Be sure to include an answer as to what particular observed behavior has led you to form such impressions. Honest responses are the most helpful and there is no need to include your name on this form. Thanks for your time. 1. I perceive him/her to be ___________. A) self-confident B) insecure Based on what observed...

Words: 763 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Ethics

...(Definition of learning) The EYFS Practice Guidance glossary defines assessment: ‘Through observing children... practitioners can make professional judgements about children’s achievements and decide on the next steps in learning’. As a generic description for working with children from birth to five, this clarifies the purpose of assessment. Within my provision the assessments we use to observe the development of our children are. • Tracking sheets… • Baseline Assessment sheets is a legislation document which is a bench mark for the milestones of each child. • Home visit welcome packs… • Observations long/ post it notes which is written/verbal which is a form of assessment used with parents/ carers staff and child to aid their learning where they are at and where the need to be. With out this the evidence we cannot say the child is at this level. • I would like to share observation sheets to go home so that if the child has a special occasion they would like to share from their weekend with staff and their friends in nursery. This helps with the child to show and tell helps them to open up if shy or has low self esteem and to make them feel special which encourages the child to talk in front of others. • Learning journeys… work in partnership with parent cares. Cover 6 areas of learning and next steps. • The CAF is a standardised approach to conducting an assessment of a child's additional needs and deciding how those needs should be...

Words: 286 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Observation

...Observation The student is considered a novice as an observer of children. The student observes children to gain practice and understanding in child development. Students have an obligation to protect children and respect school personnel. Observers are usually visitors in the classroom. The observer must keep in mind that they are a disruption to the regular processes in the classroom and they should respect the classroom teacher’s direction. The protection of the child’s rights in any type of child study is important. Regardless of the procedure used to collect information, the child’s protection is paramount. The child must not come to any harm (physical or mental) through participation in the observation process. Confidentiality must be utilized at all times. Talking about children and families with others outside of class or with the classroom teacher is prohibited. Please use fictitious names in written reports. Any concerns about a child’s safety should be addressed immediately with the classroom teacher or other responsible party. Observation tells us about children’s behavior – what they are doing. If we want to understand children’s development in school settings then we should observe them in those settings. Observation that takes place in a natural environment is referred to as naturalistic observation. Qualities of a Good Observer: · Recognize personal bias and preconceived assumptions about children. · Stay focus for a long period...

Words: 506 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Infant Observation

...Infant Observation Name of Child - Cyan Child’s Age - 10 Month After observing a tenth month old child for this Child Observation paper, I had taken many notes during the observing. The Purpose of this paper is recognizing the Physical, Cognitive, Biological, Social and Emotional development of the child. The child chosen for this child observation paper is a tenth month old male Cyan, who appears to a healthy normal child. His mother is half Indian and father is Indian. Mother and father are happily married. He lives in the hcyane with grandmother, mother, father, aunt, uncle an older female cousin who is three. Cyan comes from a middle class background and has no siblings. The author of this paper observed him in the living room of his home. His mother kept all of his toys spread out on the floor in the middle of the room so that the author of this paper could observe him while he plays. Cyan had many toys such as blocks, plush toys, rings, keys, a stationary jumper and a toy that is designed to help the child learn to walk. Erikson’s Psychosocial Stage : Cyan is in Trust VS Mistrust. Cyan is able to crawl across the room. He is able to stand and walk with the assistance of a piece of furniture. He is able to pull himself up from the sitting position holding on to the coffee table. Once he stands straight up he is able to walk around the table while holding on. He is able walk around the room if he is holding on to the toy that is designed to help an infant learn...

Words: 731 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Secrets of Shopping

...Caught your eye yet? : The connection of how spending money comes and its tricky disguises. Ever walked in to a store and saw that huge highlighter colored sign announcing “Big Blowout SALE”? They are pulling you in with things that attract you the most. From posters, human advertising, to the most innocent thing, the Barbie Doll, they are catching your eye and reeling you in and you’re unaware. Many businesses have learned the “Science” of how to arrange items so they may catch your attention. Paco Underhill, a retail anthropologist and an urban geographer, studies shopping behavior and has become valuable guides to store managers who look for the best ways to sell items. I am shocked to know that there are people who watch others for a living. As you approach a store look around and see if there is someone suspicious. Look around to see if you are being watched. Have you ever felt as if you were being watched? That is because they are watching you! Everything you are doing in the store is being observed. Strange is it? Yes but that is someone’s job. What you pick out and how you take in the item is all a part of their plan. Your choices matter in a study that you have no idea about. Your facial expression, happiness, and your disappointment makes a big deal also. The Credit Card Barbie is another marketing disguise. Barbie is, in a way advertising to younger age group. This is catching the eyes of your children and showing the fun and happy side spending...

Words: 1192 - Pages: 5