Ethnography: Step-by-Step

Applied Social Research Methods #17

by David M. Fetterman

David M. Fetterman captures the ethnographic imagination with the Fourth Edition of his popular text, Ethnography: Step-by-Step. He shares new case examples of his work to highlight the illuminating power of reflexivity and theory. The new edition expands the discussion of critical concepts such as culture, contextualization, emic and etic distinctions, and symbols. The book provides insights into the use of technology in ethnography from qualitative data analysis software to data visualization, and Questions for Reflection have been added to the end of each chapter. Fetterman is a seasoned educator, evidenced by both the clarity of his thinking and the simplicity of his writing.

Genres: Anthropology, Ethnography, Nonfiction, Research Methods, Research, Grad School

224 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1989

Reviews

[Rick Hribko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grad school book. Had to read it.

[أروى محمد الزريعي · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful, easy and succinct guide!

[Jonathan Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ethnographic manual not only teaches the practical methods for how to perform an ethnography, but also begins to guide its readers into the mode of thinking ethnographically. As a handbook, Ethnography: Step-by-Step leans a bit heavily on the positivistic side of research, focused on external behaviors rather than on conceptual work, whether on the side of the observer or on the side of those being observed. However, it is a general guide, not linked strongly to any particular ethnographic tradition, so perhaps this approach is appropriate.

[Paul, · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a helpful book on ethnography that loses its way a bit in the last half. The section on technology and on ethics in particular are lacking. But the first 3 chapters (which define some key anthropological concepts and ethnographic methods) as well as chapter 5 (on analysis) are worth reading for anyone who wants a better understanding of ethnography. In particular, the power of the concept of triangulation is crucial.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Offers more of a technical approach to ethnography. Fetterman is much more "applied ethnography." He uses it to study systems and then offer consulting services to that institution about how to address various aspects.

[Nik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ch 1. Overview basics of classic ethnography research

[Christiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think someone in PhDchat recommended this book...

I used it to help me answer a Comps question on the subject. I passed!

Easy to follow with insights.

[Saurabh · Rating 5 out of 5]

a must read for all who wish to conduct ethnographies - simple and very helpful! bible of ethnography!

[Nicholas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides an easy introduction to how to do ethnography. Written engagingly with lots of practical advice.

[Whitney Margaritis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good technical read. Lots of good information.