Description
Book SynopsisDavid M. Fetterman captures the ethnographic imagination with the Fourth Edition of his popular text, Ethnography: Step-by-Step. He shares new case examples of his work to highlight the illuminating power of reflexivity and theory.The new edition expands the discussion of critical concepts such as culture, contextualization, emic and etic distinctions, and symbols. The book provides insights into the use of technology in ethnography from qualitative data analysis software to data visualization, and Questions for Reflection have been added to the end of each chapter.Fetterman is a seasoned educator, evidenced by both the clarity of his thinking and the simplicity of his writing.
Trade ReviewThis is an excellent resource to help students understand ethnography research. The author has painstakingly put together a body of work that is remarkable. It was definitely an enjoyable book for me to read, and I hope others feel the same.
-- Ahmed Al-Asfour * review *
Fetterman′s text continues to be one of the most definitive guides to the ethnographic method. Comprehensive in scope and accessible in tone, it offers newcomers to this vivid approach an authoritative introduction, and to seasoned researchers a reminder of the wealth of possibilities ethnography can entail. Highly recommended.
-- Peter Vlachos * Review *
Dr. Fetterman′s
Ethnography Step-by-Step, 4th edition is a valuable tool for not only the experienced ethnographer, but will be of tremendous help to a doctoral student doing an ethnographic study for their dissertation/thesis. The author does an excellent job of taking the reader through the entire ethnographic process, including the use of the latest technology tools used in research.
-- Dale Crowe * Review *
This book offers a great blend of the old and the new. The old is a lucid and engaging exploration of what ethnography offers those of us who revel in the fascinating journey with the nuances of life, while the new is the seemingly never-ending quest to discover how we can use technology to appreciate the journey even more.
-- James Bernauer * Review *
Table of ContentsAppreciations to . . . Preface Acknowledgments About the Author Chapter 1: An Overview: The First Step Overview The Problem Basic or Applied Role Theory Research Design: Fieldwork Formal Analysis The Ethnography Book Organization Chapter 2: Anthropological Concepts: Walking in Rhythm Culture Holistic Perspective Contextualization Emic Perspective and Multiple Realities Etic Perspective Nonjudgmental Orientation Inter- and Intracultural Diversity Structure and Function Symbol and Ritual Micro- or Macrolevel Study Reflexivity Operationalism Chapter 3: Methods and Techniques: A Wilderness Guide Fieldwork Selection and Sampling Entry Participant Observation Interviewing Lists and Forms Questionnaires Projective Techniques Additional Eliciting Devices Unobtrusive Measures Chapter 4: Ethnographic Equipment: Gearing Up Pen and Paper Digital Voice Recorders Smart Phones Web Mapping Services Tablets Computers Database Software Cameras Video Camera Cinema Internet Chapter 5: Analysis: Finding Your Way Through the Forest Thinking Triangulation Patterns Key Events Maps Flowcharts Organizational Charts Matrices Content Analysis Statistics Crystallization Chapter 6: Writing: Recording the Miracle Research Proposals Field Notes Field Note Organization Memoranda Interim Reports Final Reports, Blogs, Data Visualizations, Articles, and Books Thick Description and Verbatim Quotations Ethnographic Present Ethnographic Presence Ethnographically Informed Reports Literature Revising and Editing Chapter 7: Ethics: Walking Softly Through the Wilderness Historical Context The Ethnographer’s Role Academic and Applied Ethnography Research Life Cycle Conclusion Appendix: Organization of Field Notes References Index
