Designing and Conducting Ethnographic Research (Ethnographer's Toolkit) [Paperback]

Margaret D. LeCompte (Author), Jean J. Schensul (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 19, 1999 | ISBN-10: 0761989757 | ISBN-13: 978-0761989752 | Edition: 1

The Ethnographer's Toolkit series begins with this overview volume, which defines the qualitative research enterprise, links research strategies to theoretical paradigms, and outlines the ways in which an ethnographic study can be designed. Using practical, straightforward language, the authors of this volume introduce readers to the research process, identifying issues, choices, and techniques covered in greater depth in other kit volumes, including chapters on the personal qualities of a good researcher and on research ethics. As a guide to the contents of the Toolkit series, or as a stand-alone introduction to the qualitative enterprise, this volume will be extremely valuable to novice researchers.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Margaret Diane LeCompte: University of Colorado, Boulder
Jean J. Schensul: Institute for Community Research, Hartford

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: AltaMira Press; 1 edition (August 19, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761989757
• ISBN-13: 978-0761989752
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 0.5 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #206,994 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars To The Point Skills Teaching December 12, 2000

By Elgin Klugh

Format:Paperback

This text provides an excellent overview of the processes and considerations in good ethnographic research. Chapter 1 provides a discussion that introduces the reader to the term ethnography. Those who assume that they already know about ethnography may also want to peruse this chapter for a refreshing and concise review of rationale and terminology. The next chapter describes processes for determining when ethnography should be used. This discussion is especially useful for those in various fields and professions that have recently come to recognize the value of ethnographic methods in their endeavors. Chapters 3, 4, and 5 aid the ethnographer in the pre-fieldwork stage. In chapter 3, clear descriptions of different theoretical paradigms for research (such as "Critical Theory" (pp. 45-48)) are offered so that the reader may have the creative benefit of exploring questions raised by different paradigms. Chapter 4 guides the reader through the conceptual process of creating a research design, and chapter 5 explains how to apply research designs to specific projects in order to generate good ethnographic data. Methods of ethnographic data collection are described in chapter 6, and chapter 7 explores the analysis of this data. Chapter 8 provides a discussion of the types of personalities and relationships that encourage better fieldwork experiences and potential data collection. And chapter 9 describes ethical considerations that are important to note - including Institutional Review Board guidelines. These individuals should be congratulated for bringing such a valuable resource to those interested in using ethnography. Designing and Conducting Ethnographic Research is just the first in a seven volume series that guides the reader through the various stages of ethnographic research - from the conceptual beginnings to the actual implementation of ethnographic findings. Each of these texts is a valuable source - focusing on specific processes and techniques in ethnographic research. For the convenience of those using the whole series, the editors have cross-referenced several issues, topics, and examples in each book with similar discussions appearing in the other books. The editors have also developed a helpful system of symbols, appearing in the margins throughout each book, to flag the reader to key points, cross references, definitions, and case studies. These help to make the facts and examples offered more readily accessible to the reader. The entire series is well written, in clear and concise language, without the presence of heavy anthropological jargon. And when jargon is presented, it is helpfully defined in the margin. Thus, this series is very useful to anyone interested in ethnography, and for individuals at all levels of ethnographic expertise.

5.0 out of 5 stars Standard Issue in Anthro Classes September 29, 2011

By KDM

Format:Paperback

This book, and others from the entire excellent series, was required reading in both my undergrad and graduate Anthropology courses. Essential concepts and methods, easy to understand, very relate-able...I recommend for anyone who wants to learn a little something about Anth.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars 2nd Edition Available February 4, 2011

By David

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This version, sold by Amazon, is the 1st Edition. There is a 2nd Edition (Copyright 2010) available from B&N. I unfortunately bought this 1st Edition first, then had to buy the 2nd Edition. I'm not sure why Amazon doesn't carry the 2nd Edition. To my knowledge, only this one textbook--Toolkit Volume 1--has been updated; Toolkit Volumes 2-7 have not been updated.