Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
fieldwork, well before any formalized analysis takes place. Clearly, ethno-
graphic research involves all different levels of analysis.Analysis is an ongo-
ing responsibility and joy from the first moment an ethnographer envisions a
new project to the final stages of writing and reporting the findings.
THE PROBLEM
Ethnographic research begins with the selection of a problem or topic of inter-
est. The research problem that the ethnographer chooses guides the entire
researchendeavor.Ittypicallydictatestheshapeoftheresearchdesign,includ-
ing the budget, the tools to conduct the research, and even the presentation of
the research findings. How the ethnographer interprets and defines the prob-
lemusuallyreflectseitherabasicoranappliedresearchorientation.Theproblem
may also suggest the most appropriate research approach—ethnographic, survey,
or experimental.
A researcher can address a problem—such as unequal minority representa-
tion in higher-paying and higher-status occupations in the United States—in
many ways. For example, a survey approach would probably be more efficient
than an ethnographic approach in determining the number of ethnic groups in
specific occupations throughout the United States.A descriptive approach such
as ethnography, however, would be most useful to study how unequal represen-
tation in specific occupations comes about, including how cultural values are
transmitted to create institutional racism and what people think about this
inequity. To determine the impact of programs to ameliorate economic differ-
encesbetweenspecificethnicgroups,aquasi-experimentaldesignaccompanied
by a descriptive approach would be most appropriate. Research problem defini-
tion,therefore,isreallyastatementaboutwhattheethnographerwantstoknow.
In essence, the problem or its definition is the driving force behind the
research endeavor. The problem must precede the selection of a research
method to avoid the trap of having a method in search of a problem—a situa-
tion referred to as the methodological tail wagging the research dog—a situa-
tion that produces frustrating and imprecise results.
BASIC OR APPLIED ROLE
The researcher's role further refines the definition of the problem.A study of
the incest taboo appears to be classic anthropological or psychological
research. More specific questions are necessary, however, before the
