According to Berg and Lune (2012), focus groups are a valuable tool for an ethnographer. The focus group can be used in different ways; from gathering information to start a project, to gauging attitudes about a topic or validating information that an informant/interviewee has described. Much in the way one would get a second opinion from a doctor after a diagnosis, a focus group can strengthen the insight obtained and potentially uncover other cultural information, terminologies and even subcultures. Unlike individual interviews, a focus group can be broader reaching and more dynamic, but could potentially be sabotaged by stronger participants. It is through the group’s discussion that information is gathered, one individual’s comments …show more content…
When I originally critiqued that work, I hoped for a larger sampling size besides his one informant. If a supporting focus group was used, Rubenstein may have been able to back up the stress relievers he discovered as well as potentially uncovered more like sports, recreational activities and alcohol use. The incorporation of a focus group into my study may allow further verification that the informant’s information is encompassing and correct. Maybe a younger member of the focus group could provide further insight into use of modern technology or new terminologies. If the focus group confirms the folk terms used and echoes the sentiment of the informant, it would be supportive to the study. On the other hand, a focus group could potentially reveal that the informant was a cultural outsider, someone that is really not part of the group. Berg and Lune (2012) state: “Sometimes, persons who are willing to be guides or informants turn out to be restricted in their groups” (p. 215). This may prompt a researcher to reassess, use a backup informant or to re-interview their original
During Week One, the researcher met with the two focus groups to establish a different rapport and provide an explanation of the research study. Although the researcher had previously established a rapport with the students in each group, it was imperative that the students not view the researcher as one of their Assistant Principals while the study was being conducted. Once the researcher gauged the initial feeling tone towards the research project that had been presented to the focus groups, permission forms were sent home with each participant. Lastly, the researcher conducted an informal observation in both classrooms.
The groups are the Guardian, Idealist, Artisan, and Rationals. Reviewing and sharing results within the group will give one another an understanding of others point of view, and create an open, trusting enviorment. It is important to be aware of one’s own personality type
Ethnographic research reveals that in the social network Facebook the users real life identity tends to change and be reflected differently through their digital identity. These changes in an individual's identity can be seen by looking at examples of behavioral characteristics. In this analysis we will focus our research on the characteristics of the users fame, how they portray their lives and dishonesty. We have all heard the common saying that having fame and money changes people, but does this fame also change an individual's digital identity? When looking at celebrities Facebook accounts we can see that the content often appears to be filtered and deemed more appropriate to its viewers.
We were in Palm Spring on the weekend of November 21 for the swim meet. For my Ethnographic Project, I decided to interview one of my daughter’s swim friend’s mom and my friend, Linyun. We talked about it before and the meet was the best place for this interview. She is approximately 45 years old lady, married with an Indian-American guy. Her back round of culture is Chinese and she is from Taiwan.
Since archaic times the concept of humanity has intrigued scholars. Eventually this curiosity led to the formation of what is now known as Anthropology, the study of humans. In the article “On Ethnographic Sincerity” by John L. Jackson Jr the author discusses how different anthropological perspectives incorporate humor and sincerity to ensure original findings. Another article, “Social Responsibility and the Anthropological Citizen” by Barbara Rose Johnston brings attention to praxis issues while at the same time she puts emphasis on the power of discourse. Both articles politicize the discipline by establishing ethical codes.
The Support Group is a bi-weekly meeting of people struggling to overcome an eating disorder, guided by a clinical social worker. This group aims to improve motivation and empowerment to overcome the eating disorder. The objectives of the group work are to reinforce awareness and motivation for change, help initiate a treatment and establish a good disconnection between the own perception and what it really is, accompanying during the therapeutic process to avoid relapses and dropouts and accompanying the recovery of vital projects and social and family relations once the process is finished, in addition to sharing with others the emotions generated by the disorder, and especially the desire to leave the disorder behind. The group
The way in which I have decided to begin the debate surrounding challenges of ethnographic fieldwork is through considering definitions for both ‘ethnography’: “the study and systematic recording of human cultures; also; a descriptive work produced from such research.” (Merriam Webster Online) and ‘fieldwork’: “an essential aspect of all areas of anthropology because it is used to gather primary data, in other words fieldwork is how anthropologists collect the information used for their studies.” (Harris Jones
For my ethnographic research, I had chosen to study my video gaming group. The idea of video gaming may be a habit for some people, but with the right research I found that it is not just a necessity, moreover it is enjoyable for all that play video games. Video gaming is not always for fun but for bringing my friends to together to play such games. This organization had found that video gaming is not just for fun, but for bringing others together while playing video games. What the community has not expected is that most gamers are not the same, everyone comes from a different background and differ in many ways.
Based on the literature that I had found, I met Dr Siti Elizad once again for further clarification. According to her, there are three major modes in ethnography. They are observation, interviewing and archival research (Angrosino, 2007). Now, the explanations by my lecturer had been cleared the cloud. Despite all this, I decided to leave aside my interest on fieldwork and ethnography for a
The purpose of group learning and development is to ensure that all learning styles are catered for and the ultimate goal of sharing knowledge is achieved. When using a group to deliver something new each individual can call on a fellow participant to confirm understanding. 1.2 Explain why delivery of learning and development must reflect group dynamics When delivering to a group it is important to consider, what is the normal behaviour within the group? Who plays what role?
This could be to specific group, for instance a support group for deaf people, teaching service users or for meetings. In group communication, every individual participating will try and get their personal ideas and thoughts across, especially if they disagree with a point raised (Storming stage: Tuckman group communication theory). In health and social care, group communication is mostly used in a meeting arrangement, as it allows a number of different agencies or care providers with in one agency to focus on particular aspect of care, or on a service user and the care that currently being provided. Communications between Colleagues not only on a one to one basis but in a group setting is key, to everyone working successfully, the performing stage of Tuckman group communication theory. Within a health and social care an absence or lack of tolerance and understanding for fellow employees might create a negative emotional atmosphere, it may only personally affect two people, but will ultimately affect everyone working with them, and possibly decreasing the level of care to their service
Perhaps one of the most interesting things about the discipline of anthropology is that the subjects can share their thoughts and opinions in a clear articulate way. Interviews I had the opportunity to interview a young woman, my roommate, about her experiences migrating from China to the U.S. for her education. Whilst speaking with her, I came to two conclusions. Firstly, culture plays a significant role in how people view the value and the administration of education. Secondly, I came to the conclusion that although modern technology has allowed for the globalization of culture, actual immersion into one culture from another is still an extremely difficult transition.
Ethnography is the study of social interactions, behaviours, and perceptions that occur within groups, teams, organisations, and communities. The central aim of ethnography is to provide rich, holistic insights into people’s views and actions. (Reeves et al, 2017). The term ethnography has come to be equated with virtually any qualitative research project where the intent is to provide a detailed, in-depth description of everyday life and practice. Qualitative research can be described as social science research in comparison to quantitative research is statistically orientated research (Hoey, 2017).
Group size There will be groups of at least three people. The first member will be the speaker, the second member will be the listener and the third member will be the observer. Process 1. Groups are split into
There are several possible pros and cons when working with only the highly educated community members. Highly educated members may be able to understand and follow research methodologies; and possible participate in multiple or more complex research methodologies. They may also be able to function or participate successfully in focus groups, considering the suggestion that “focus groups are more effective when members share similar characteristics” (Rabiee, 2004). The cons associated with working with only highly educated members, may be the potential for conflicts in focus groups, when attempting to share different perspective or opinions.