3B Ethnography
Summary: “Writing small discoveries: an exploration of fresh observers’ observations.”
by AKSEL H. TJORA
Summary: “Writing small discoveries: an exploration of fresh observers’ observations.”
50 Words
The article emphasises the underexplored but crucial role of field note-taking in ethnographic research, based on student observers’ analysis of 247 notes. It highlights how even beginners can quickly understand complex interactions. The paper calls for improved note-taking guidelines and suggests a shift from interviews to casual observations for more authentic insights. It introduces ten observation modes and encourages researchers to be empathetic and analytical, opening avenues for fresh research methodologies.
10 Modes of observation
Naively describing, generalizing, interpreting, wondering, explaining, quantifying, dramatizing, experimenting, reacting and reflecting, and assessing.
NAIVELY DESCRIBING: WHAT DID I SEE HAPPEN?
GENERALIZING: WHAT IS THE INTERACTIVE PATTERN?
INTERPRETING: WHY ARE THE ACTORS DOING THIS?
WONDERING: WHAT IS IN THE ACTORS’ MINDS?
EXPLAINING: CAN THIS BE THE REASON?
QUANTIFYING: HOW MANY ARE THERE?
DRAMATIZING: CAN MY OBSERVATION BE INTERESTING?
EXPERIMENTING: IF I DO THIS, WHAT HAPPENS?
REFLECTING AND REACTING: BEING INFLUENCED BY THE FIELD
ASSESSING: EVALUATING PEOPLE’S BEHAVIOUR
Key Point
Characteristics of this methodology: Field note-taking in ethnographic research captures a spectrum from naive observation to interpretative analysis.
Positive about this methodology: It allows for a deep, nuanced understanding of social interactions and contexts, even for newcomers to the field.
Negatives: This requires improved guidelines on researcher positioning and can be logistically challenging due to the need for close observation. Missing positionality and sources.
300 Words
Exploring the Importance and Nuances of Field Note-taking in Ethnographic Research
This article sheds light on the underrated practice of taking field notes in ethnographic research. It leverages data from 247 field notes by student observers to stress how even newcomers can quickly grasp complex facets of human interaction. The study identifies a need for better guidelines on effective note-taking and researcher positioning, acknowledging that observational studies can sometimes be challenging due to the intrusive nature of researcher presence and other logistical factors. Nevertheless, it encourages students, especially Master’s and PhD candidates, to rely on their intuition, experience, and analytical skills.
Spectrum of Observation Styles: From Naive Descriptions to Interpretative Analysis in Student Field Notes
Based on these student notes, the study presents a spectrum of observation styles, from naive description to interpretative analysis. It introduces ten modes—describing, generalising, interpreting, wondering, explaining, quantifying, dramatising, experimenting, reacting and reflecting, and assessing—offering an expansive view of the complexity and depth field notes can capture. For example, naive descriptions can provide fresh perspectives on social norms, while interpretative notes delve into the historical or contextual nuances behind observed actions.
Advocating for Casual Observations and Self-Scrutiny in Ethnographic Research
The paper calls for a shift from interviews to more casual interactions for organic social insights, stressing the need for researchers to be descriptive rather than evaluative. It also encourages self-scrutiny in note-taking, urging researchers to understand their role and the power dynamics in the field. The text reminds us that field notes are data points and tools for empathy and creative understanding, contributing to a nuanced, humane, and highly contextual scholarship. This opens room for deconstructing current dogmas and methodologies, inviting fresh approaches and greater responsibility in qualitative research.
How do field note-taking and researcher positioning principles need to be addressed further?
The article suggests that more emphasis needs to be put on the observer’s position in any observational setting and that it is necessary to stress the ‘ethnographer’s self as positioned subject’ as part of the field note text. The article also suggests that further exercises may invite fresh observers to elaborate on their position within the observed, starting with challenging the notion that the observer is a neutral, open-minded empirical instrument.
Bibliography
Noce, Kim. (2007-2022). “Note-taking drawings: Presentation and Filmmaking and Collaboration Classes.” NFTS National Film Television School Archive.
Young, Millicent. (2023, August 18-20). “Biophilia.” WFFT Field Trip, Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand—Saving Asia’s Wildlife, Petchaburi, Thailand.
Tjora, A. H. (2006). Writing small discoveries: An exploration of fresh observers’ observations. Qualitative Research, 6(4), 429-451. Norwegian University of Science and Technology. SAGE Publications.
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