Observational and Ethnographic Methods

Description:

Overview:

This live online Zoom course introduces you to ethnographic methods and observation which are valuable techniques in qualitative research where the focus is on understanding in great depth the meanings, views, behaviours, beliefs and actions of a particular culture, group or organisation. Ethnography typically involves extended periods of time ‘in the field’, while participant observation and observational techniques can also be used to examine groups and cultures in a shorter time period and alongside other methods.

The course begins with a review of classic ethnographic approaches, the principles of ethnography, and calls to decolonise ethnography and reassess its application. The planning and design of ethnographic and observational methods follow, including guidance on the participant-observer continuum, fieldnotes and what to record in the field, ethics, and reflexivity.

We then explore contemporary approaches including multi-sited, virtual and sensory ethnography. We also explore examples of 'applied' or ‘focused ethnography’ in order to examine how observational methods can be used in applied settings in order to understand organisational cultures and behaviours for example. We review ethnographers' reflections of conducting fieldwork in a variety of contexts in order to demonstrate the benefits and drawbacks of these approaches.

This training includes practical elements such as workshop discussions, observations, writing field notes and reflecting on these. Therefore participants should have a working microphone and camera in order to be able to take part live via Zoom.

 

We cover:

- The history of ethnography and participant observation

- The principles and techniques of ethnography

- The importance of an inductive and reflexive approach

- Defining the 'field' and 'multi-sited' ethnography

- Accessing the field, gatekeepers, and building rapport

- The practicalities of fieldwork

- Recording data and taking field notes

- An introduction to new approaches: virtual ethnography, go-along methods, sensory ethnography

- 'Focused' or 'applied ethnography’

- Ethics and reflexivity in ethnography

 

Who should attend?

This course will be useful for researchers who are new to qualitative methods and/or who wish to brush up on their knowledge of ethnography and obervational methods. This includes PhD students and academics. Researchers using qualitative methods in government, policy, consultancy, social research organisations and charities will also find this training useful.

Please note: this is an interactive live course with presentation, group activities, group discussions, and opportunities to ask questions. You should be prepared to participate and have use of camera and mic on Zoom.

 

Trainer biography

Dr Karen Lumsden is a qualitative trainer, consultant and coach, and Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Aberdeen, UK.

She has over 20 years’ experience delivering qualitative methods courses and training to academics, PhD students, social researchers, and practitioners. This includes courses at the Universities of Aberdeen, Glasgow, Essex, Auckland, Kingston, via the Social Research Association and the European Consortium for Political Research, and also for government departments, NHS, charities, police organisations, social research and market research organisations. She has has written and edited a number of books and journal articles on qualitative methods including Crafting Autoethnography (Routledge, 2023) and Reflexivity: Theory, Method, Practice (2019). She is on the Editorial Board of the journal Qualitative Research.

 

Bookings:

Bookings for this course can be made via Eventbrite tickets. If your organisation requires payment to be made via invoice please contact me directly to ask if this will be possible. I only issue invoices for UK based organisations or individuals. Your place on the course will only be confirmed once payment has been received. Email: karen@qualitativetraining.com for invoice queries.

 

Booking and refund policy:

There is a 14 day 'cooling off' period from the date of booking on this course. The refund policy is 100% refund up to 25 working days prior to the course date. This does not include the Eventbrite ticket fee which is non-refundable. After 21 days the entire course fee is payable.

If the course is fully booked and has a waiting list then transfer to another course or future course date might be possible, however this is at the discretion of the trainer.

Please note that Dr Karen Lumsden delivers a range of courses for other training providers in addition to these Qualitative Training courses. She takes no responsibility or liability for individuals booking on similar courses or training with other providers which may contain similar or the same course content. Refunds will not be given under these circumstances once the training has been partly/fully consumed.

Cost:

£140 (discounted PhD student, unwaged rate)
£180 (full rate)

Website and registration:

Register for this course

Region:

International

Keywords:

Ethnographic Research, Observation, Ethnography

Related publications and presentations from our eprints archive:

Ethnographic Research
Observation
Ethnography

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