Participant Observation: A Guide for Fieldworkers

by Kathleen DeWalt

Participant observation is the foundation of ethnographic research design and supports and complements other types of qualitative and quantitative data collection. Qualitative research in such diverse areas as anthropology, sociology, education, medicine draws on the insights gained through the use of participant observation. The authors have written a guide to the collection of systematic data in naturalistic settings - communities in many different cultures - to achieve an understanding of the most fundamental processes and patterns of social life. This book serves as a basic primer for the beginning researcher and as a useful reference and guide for experienced researchers in many fields who wish to reexamine their own skills and abilities in light of best practices of participant observation. This new edition includes discussions of participant observation in nontypical settings, such as the Internet, participant observation in applied research, and ethics of participant observation. It also explores in greater depth the use of computer-assisted analysis of textual data in issues of sampling and in linking method with theory.

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction, Ethnography

292 pages, Paperback

First published December 16, 2010

Reviews

[Melva]

It was surprisingly easy to read - being a methodology description. Although, they could change cover for the next edition...

[Repa Kustipia]

Buku ini akan mengingatkan tentang pentingnya kaidah-kaidah dan elemen-elemen penelitian ketika sedang melakukan observasi

Terlepas dari topik atau metode utama yang digunakan dalam melakukan ilmu sosial penelitian, Penulis percaya bahwa praktik observasi partisipan memberikan beberapa keuntungan untuk penelitian.

Pertama, meningkatkan kualitas data yang diperoleh selama kerja lapangan.

Kedua, meningkatkan kualitas interpretasi data, apakah data tersebut dikumpulkan melalui observasi partisipan pelayanan atau dengan cara lain.Observasi partisipan merupakan sebuah data koleksi dan alat analisis.

Ketiga, mendorong perumusan baru pertanyaan penelitian dan hipotesis didasarkan pada pengamatan di tempat kejadian.

Untuk bahasa yang digunakan tidak terlalu sulit dan seperti tutorial dan buku petunjuk.

[Waris Ahmad Faizi]

Invaluable!

The book is an essential resource for anyone involved in ethnographic research. DeWalt offers a clear and practical guide to the intricacies of participant observation, from planning and access to ethical considerations and data analysis. The book includes real-world examples and addresses the impact of technology, making it a valuable tool for both novice and experienced researchers. DeWalt's emphasis on reflexivity and ethical conduct ensures that readers are well-equipped to navigate the challenges and rewards of fieldwork. Overall, it's a comprehensive and insightful guide that is indispensable for anyone engaged in social science research.

[Whitney Margaritis]

Fantastic. Very clear and concise work through of Ethnographic methodology.

[Rye]

Repetitive and not nuanced. They tactlessly discuss topics, such as Kenneth Good and sexual abuse.

[Paulina Raduchowska]

This is a basic, easy to read manual text book for the anthropology student on how to carry out research using the so-called"classical methods" - if I were looking for a manual on how to put up a fence or lay a wall of bricks, I would expect it to look something like this.
The problem I see here, however, is that if a person thinks they need to follow this manual, perhaps they shouldn't be doing research at all? Or rather, if they think they need to follow this manual only.
Read this, but please read also John Law's "After method", Donna Haraway's "Staying with the trouble" , and Nadasdy's "The gift in the animal" ... At least this, and then sit down (maybe for a year or two) and reflect. Start there.

[Jessica]

It was a struggle to read this, but I read most of it. It was interesting to see things through the eyes of an anthropologist... Although some of the topics covered seemed like common sense.