FieldMethods2021

 Fieldworkers look to both verbal and nonverbal language to understand rules and meanings at their fieldsite Why study verbal language? verbal language brings nonverbal thoughts and ideas to the surface language can become the focal point of your research informants "voices" are most clearly transmitted through their verbal communication What do systems of communication reveal? solidarity and exclusion markers aspects unique to culture (jargon) symbolic systems within a culture the relationship between language and culture Nonverbal Communication: Body Language and Culture proxemics-use of and meaning of space kinesics-meaning of body movement and gesture microsignals-gaze (etc.) -unconsciouss small signals touch-meaning and use dress and adornments-meaning of chosen displayed symbols of identity tatoos dress hair piercings teeth makeup plastic surgery or other bodily "mutilations" Linking Words and Culture look for key words, phrases and ideas that serve as clues i...

  "Stepping into the Worldview of Others" When we interview informants, we step into their worldview by stepping out of our own, we LISTEN CAREFULLY, but also notice the ARTIFACTS and MANNERISMS through which they express themselves and their identity. Good Interviewing is a collaboration between you and your informant, not very different from a friendly talk. skills: establishing rapport letting your informant drive the direction of the interview: digressing, topic changing, etc. listening carefully steering the interview in response to your informants' accounting THE INTERVIEW Expect the unexpected answer and follow its lead Work from your structured (prepared) questions (theory/assumptions) but listen carefully to answers to see where they go-BE FLEXIBLE It is our job to reveal our informants' perspectives and experiences rather than our own. ASKING QUESTIONS closed questions: answer is finite (don't ask too many) open questions: answer begs elaboration (takes ...

  What is an ethnographic interview? IF anthropology is the study of what we (humans) do and say and think and mean, and IF we cannot read minds… THEN the most ethically correct (and also effective, efficient, etc.) way to get at the thoughts and beliefs and understandings of other human beings is by asking them , in addition to observing them, thereby allowing  real human beings  to have  real voices and a real say  in what and why and how they do and say and think as they do.  “Man, drag queens are a unique bunch,” I think to myself. And I’ve done a solid amount of participant observing among them in pageants and shows for years. I can even arrive at conclusions based on my observing: “It seems to me that their decision to do drag are decisions to pursue their passions, despite the economic and social risks which still exist today. I mean, they talk about the importance of doing what you love and stuff all the time.” I continue thinking: “And yet… it see...

  "Gaze is the act of seeing; it is an act of selective perception. Much of what we see is shaped by our experiences, and our "gaze" has a direct bearing on what we think. And what we see and think, to take the process one step further, has a bearing upon what we say and what and how we write ." --Paul Stoller Spatial gaze is the fieldworker's stance and worldview . In the field we must do the following things to give comprehensive attention and description to the importance of space: how to look at your fieldsite detailing and mapping space finding unity and tension within a place tension is revealed in the moments of contradiction when multiple or opposing perspectives collide locating a  focal point  (finding a perspective from which to describe your fieldsite) Personal Geographies  (sense of place) influence our spatial gaze, how we look. factors influencing gaze may not always be in our awareness (Jamica Kincaid's writing in text)-enormous influence of ...

 Tips for Writing Thick Descriptions for Ethnographies and Case Studies  EXAMPLES ON ETHNOGRAPHIC STUDENT WRITING DESCRIPTION------------------------NARRATIVE-----------------------------ANALYSIS Ethnographies pose unique challenges, because they involve a combination of fieldwork (observation, interview, survey) and critical analysis through the application of core disciplinary or course concepts.  Your thick description of behaviors in their context should try to paint a clear picture of the event, situation, environment, or culture in question.  If possible, bring a notepad and/or tape recorder in order to capture small details. If you cannot take notes while observing, be sure to write your thoughts down as soon after the experience as possible.  It is also extremely important to be self-reflective; notice how your presence might alter the environment, as well as how your own assumptions and reactions to the situation might affect what you notice and how y...