Ethnography the basics, a beginners guide to ethnographic methods in PhD and masters degree research

Learn the basics of ethnography in this beginners guide for PhD and masters degree research students. In this video, I demystify ethnography and shed light on its importance, process, and unique challenges.

From discovering where the word 'ethnography' comes from, to learning all the ins and outs of an ethnographic research project, by the time you get to the end of the video, you'll be much more confident in your understanding of this approach and a bit clearer on whether or not it's something you want to explore in your own PhD or masters degree research.

We'll explore what it means to be immersed in the social group you're studying, and how to enhance your chances of gaining access to that group in the first place. We'll also consider how you can maximise your chances of being accepted by your participants once you do get in! I'll share my insights on dealing with key informants, maintaining consistency, and fostering positive relationships.

I'll go into some of the issues that emerge around keeping ethnographic fieldnotes and consider how best to bring your ethnography to a close without perturbing your participants through vanishing into thin air!

Whether you're a budding researcher or simply curious about ethnography, this video provides a comprehensive guide, combining theoretical understanding with practical tips.

Please drop your questions in the comments!

Chapters
0:00 - 0:24 Introduction and overview
0:25 - 2:07 What is ethnography?
2:08 - 6:13 Getting access
6:14 - 8:26 Your presence in the field
8:27 - 10:17 Fieldnotes and why they matter
10:18 - 11:36 Exiting the field, how to do it well
11:37 - 11:52 Conclusion

// Other helpful videos //
Qualitative research - core principles    • Qualitative research the basics, a si...  
How to write up qualitative data    • Qualitative Research Findings | 7 tip...  
How to be reflective and reflexive    • What's the difference between reflect...  
Do THIS in your methods chapter!    • PhD Research Methods Chapter - Don’t ...  
PhD literature review - 3 things you NEED to know!    • The PhD Literature Review | Three thi...  
Imposter Syndrome! How to deal with it    • Imposter Syndrome in PhD Students – 3...  

// See my videos BEFORE anyone else does! //
For early access to my videos and whole load of other cool things, become a Degree Doctor channel member! https://www.youtube.com/@DegreeDoctor...

// Studies mentioned in the video //
William Foot Whyte’s 1955 study of street corner life in the city of Boston https://www.amazon.co.uk/Street-Corne...
James Patrick’s 1973 study of a violent Glasgow gang https://www.google.co.uk/books/editio...
Anthony Lloyd’s 2012 research as an employee of a call centre in Middlesbrough https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/...
Khan’s 2011 research at an elite US high school whilst working as a teacher https://press.princeton.edu/books/pap...
Pearson’s 2012 ethnography of Manchester United fans https://manchesteruniversitypress.co....

// 25 cheat phrases for your PhD literature review //
Got writer's block? Don't worry, I have 25 sentence starter cheat phrases to help get you unstuck, grab the free PDF here https://www.thedegreedoctor.com/25-li...

// PhD Survival Guides //
Check out my step by step guides for PhD success, covering every chapter of your thesis! Use code YOUTUBE15 for 15% off! https://www.thedegreedoctor.com/phd-s...