Customer Reviews

Ethnographer's Toolkit: 7-volume paperback boxed set

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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.

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.

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.

When I purchased this item, I was replacing it with one that I lost in a recent disaster. My original purchase included 7 books and a box that housed the books. When my order arrived, I only received the books, and not the "box" that houses the books. I asked that the item be sent complete with the box. It was resent, and again came with the books only. Amazon did compensate a small percentage for not having the box to go along with the set, but I was not happy that the item was advertised as a box set.
If you are epecting a box set, as is stated in the product description, you will not get it.