IN THE FIELD by Carolyn D. Smith (Editor), William Kornblum (Editor) ( 9780275933173 )

Item Details

Title:

IN THE FIELD
READINGS ON THE FIELD RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

By:

Carolyn D. Smith (Editor), William Kornblum (Editor)

Format:

Hardback

List price:	£43.25
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ISBN 10:

0275933172

ISBN 13:

9780275933173

Publisher:

ABC-CLIO

Pub. date:

31 January, 1990

Pages:

173

Description:

An account, by various ethnographic researchers, of what it is like to conduct ethnographic research, especially participant observation. The book includes discussion of how researchers become involved in the lives of the people they study.

Synopsis:

This volume brings together personal accounts by a group of ethnographic researchers. A supplemental text for methods courses, "In the field" is designed to give students a sense of what it is actually like to conduct ethnographic research, especially participant observation. As the selections show, field researchers often become involved in the lives of the people they study and are at times forced into a re-examination of their own values. By learning how social scientists conduct research under field conditions and how they feel while they are doing it, students will be better prepared to carry out successful field research projects of their own. Divided into four parts, the book begins with several readings that explore the confusing and frustrating period every field researcher goes through while trying to gain the acceptance of the people under study. In the second section, the contributors show how ethnographic researchers often develop subtle, complex relationships with their informants. These selections also illustrate the impact of differences in race, gender and class between the researcher and his or her subject.The next group of readings deal with a problem often encountered in the field - how can ethnographic researchers maintain objectivity in the face of deepening involvement in their subjects' lives? In the final section, the researchers ask some questions about the role of the observer. Taken together, these readings offer a window onto the field research experience that will useful be not only for those just beginning their careers but also for professional researchers who seek encouragement from others with similar experiences.

Illustrations:

bibliography, index

Publication:

Imprint:

Praeger Publishers Inc

Returns:

Non-returnable

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