Ethnographic Methods

by Karen O'Reilly

This new edition of Karen O’Reilly’s popular Ethnographic Methods provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the technical, practical and philosophical issues that arise when employing traditional and innovative research methods in relation to human agents. Using a wide range of case studies and source material to illustrate the dilemmas and resolutions that an ethnographic researcher may encounter, this textbook guides the reader from the initial design and planning stages through to the analysis and writing-up. It explores the historical and philosophical foundations of ethnographic research and goes on to cover a range of relevant topics such as participant observation, qualitative interviews, (focus) group interviews and visual data collection and analysis. Having been substantially revised and updated, the second edition includes new discussions of emerging practices such as reflexive ethnography and autoethnographic accounts, as well as an entire chapter dedicated to new directions in the field – including virtual, mobile, multi-sited and global ethnography.

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction, Academic

272 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2004

Reviews

[Tom Muddiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy to read, comprehensive (if slightly dated) guide to engaging with and structuring ethnographic research. I think this could do perhaps with a slightly more comprehensive overview of the historical development of specifically ethnographic methods (as opposed to other qualitative surveying methods) however as a nuts-and-bolts guide with examples from the authors' and of other researchers's own work, this is excellent and, always a mark of a good book, gives good pointers to potential further readings.

[Linde · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was mandatory reading for a methodology class I had in January. I knew most of the things described already from different classes, and many of the topics had come by in lectures already, but I'm still glad I had to buy Ethnographic Methods. The language is clear, the layout is simple, it is an overal very effective book with practical tips and theory. I also loved the 'further reading' sections of the book, because it allowed for more information while remaining clear and to-the-point. Definitely a book I will be keeping with me.