Question 1

An ethnographer concludes a study with an interpretation of the shared patterns of behavior of teenage skateboarders in a middle school.What aspects is this ethnographer likely to include in this interpretation?

Accepted Answer

Ethnographers often use cultural themes to provide a framework for understanding the shared patterns of behavior within a group.

Question 2

A researcher conducts an ethnographic study of three high schools who have introduced AIDS education into their curricula.What type of case study is this?

Accepted Answer

This is a collective case study because it involves the investigation of multiple cases (three high schools) with a shared attribute (introducing AIDS education into their curricula).

Question 3

Which of the following is the best indicator of higher quality in ethnography?

Accepted Answer

Ethnography that explores many diverse concepts is generally considered higher quality because it demonstrates a more thorough understanding of the culture or community being studied. A narrow focus on just one or two concepts may overlook important nuances and complexities within the culture. The researcher remaining in the background of the report is also important, but it is not necessarily a reliable indicator of higher quality on its own, as there are different opinions on the degree of researcher involvement. Collecting only one form of data, such as interviews, may limit the breadth and depth of the study and can lead to potential bias.

Question 4

Reflexivity in ethnography means:

Accepted Answer

Reflexivity in ethnography refers to the researcher's acknowledgement and discussion of their own role and biases in the study. This involves critically examining their own position and how it may affect the data and interpretation of findings. Option A is incorrect as it is not related to the concept of reflexivity in ethnography. Option B is partially correct, as open discussion of participant views is part of reflexivity, but not the complete definition. Option D is incorrect as it only addresses the reason for undertaking the study and not reflexivity.

Question 5

When conducting an ethnography of a music class in a junior high,a qualitative researcher is most likely to engage in what step?

Accepted Answer

Describing how the class works during a week is a common step in ethnographic research, as it allows for a detailed understanding of the practices and culture within the observed setting. Options A and B are too broad and do not specify a particular step in the research process, and option C is not relevant as the researcher should collect data at the site of the music class.

Question 6

An ethnography can be distinguished from a grounded theory study in qualitative research by

Accepted Answer

An ethnography focuses on the study of a particular cultural group and involves observing and interacting with participants within that group to gain a deeper understanding of their beliefs, values, and practices. A grounded theory study, on the other hand, involves the development of a theory or explanation based on the systematic analysis of data, often through the identification of patterns or themes. While both approaches may involve the use of participant views, a focus on culturally-selected individuals, and the analysis of themes or patterns, the primary distinction is the emphasis on the cultural group in ethnography and the development of theory in grounded theory.

Question 7

The following are typically forms of collecting data in an ethnography EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

A structured instrument (such as a survey) is not typically used in ethnography as it does not allow for the in-depth exploration and understanding of the culture and behavior being studied. Ethnography typically relies on qualitative methods such as observation, interviews, and focus groups to gather data.

Question 8

A researcher decides to study individuals with learning disabilities in an elementary school with the intent of advocating for this group of children.The type of ethnographic design is

Accepted Answer

A critical ethnography is a type of research that aims to explore power relations, inequalities, and social injustices in a particular group or community. In this case, the researcher's intent to advocate for children with learning disabilities suggests a critical perspective, which seeks to identify and challenge the social structures and cultural practices that perpetuate their marginalization. This type of research usually involves working closely with the participants, giving them a voice in the research process, and examining issues of power and oppression that affect their lives. Therefore, a critical ethnography is the best choice for this study.

Question 9

When we think about the origins of ethnography in education,we consider how it was applied in education from what two disciplines?

Accepted Answer

Ethnography in education has its roots in both sociology and anthropology. It draws on sociological theories and methods to understand social structures and interactions within educational settings, while incorporating anthropological perspectives to explore the cultural norms, values, and beliefs that shape education practices.

Question 10

Why are ethical issues in ethnography often associated with the data collection phase of research?

Accepted Answer

Ethnographers often spend extensive time in the field, which can lead to ethical issues related to privacy, consent, and the impact of their presence on the community being studied.

Question 11

A qualitative researcher conducts an in depth analysis of a gifted program in an elementary school.This study involves how the children are selected,their experiences,and the outcomes at the end of the sixth grade.The type of design is

Accepted Answer

A case study is a research design that involves an in-depth analysis of a specific individual, group, or situation. In this case, the qualitative researcher is conducting an in-depth analysis of a gifted program in an elementary school, which involves looking at the selection process, experiences of the children, and outcomes at the end of the sixth grade. A case study is an appropriate design for this research as it allows the researcher to provide a detailed and holistic understanding of the gifted program and the experiences of the children involved in it.

Question 12

Which of the following is a procedural characteristic of critical ethnography?

Accepted Answer

Critical ethnography aims to understand and illuminate the ways in which societal structures and institutions contribute to oppression and marginalization. Advocating for change to reduce oppression is a key procedural characteristic of this approach.

Question 13

An ethnographer decides to study the attitudes of teachers in a school toward the issue of autonomy in their classrooms.Of the following patterns that might be examined,which one best represents what the researcher hopes to learn?

Accepted Answer

The researcher is specifically interested in the attitudes of teachers, so examining what they believe about autonomy would be the best pattern to explore. A and C are also potentially relevant patterns, but they do not necessarily address the specific focus on attitude that the researcher is interested in. D is tangential to the research question, as it deals with how attitudes have changed over time rather than the current attitudes of teachers.

Question 14

A culture-sharing group in an ethnography can be described as

Accepted Answer

A culture-sharing group in an ethnography refers to a group of individuals who have shared experiences, values, or practices over a period of time, making a group of athletes who have spent the soccer season together a fitting example.

Question 15

question apply to the sample ethnographic study by Swidler 2000) on recitation in a rural school presented at the end of Chapter 14. Examine this study and then answer the following questions:
-In Tables 1 and 2 you can see detailed information about the students and their parents in the small school.In terms of ethnographic results,how would you characterize this information?

Accepted Answer

The information in Tables 1 and 2 provides detailed descriptions of the students and their parents, which is a key characteristic of ethnographic research.

Question 16

In ethnographic fieldwork,information supplied by the participants in a study is known as

Accepted Answer

Emic data refers to information that comes from the perspective of the participants themselves, using their own cultural categories and language. It is contrasted with etic data, which is information obtained from an outsider perspective using concepts and frameworks that may not be familiar to the participants. In ethnographic fieldwork, the goal is typically to gather emic data in order to gain a deeper understanding of the culture being studied. Therefore, the best choice is A) emic data.

Quiz 14: Ethnographic Designs