Specialized Ethnographic Methods

A Mixed Methods Approach

Edited by Jean J. Schensul, Margaret D. LeCompte

Paperback - £41.00

Publication date:

12 October 2012

Length of book:

464 pages

Publisher

AltaMira Press

Dimensions:

227x152mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9780759122055

This is Book 4 of 7 in the Ethnographer's Toolkit, Second Edition.

This collection of individually authored chapters provides cutting-edge approaches to ethnography. Specialized Ethnographic Methods: A Mixed Methods Approachcomplements the basic inventory of ethnographic data collection tools presented in Book 3 with a number of important additional approaches to conducting ethnography. These include defining and collecting cultural artifacts, collecting secondary and archival data, cultural sorting and comparing methods, spatial research and analysis, network research and analysis, use of multimedia strategies for the collection of ethnographic data, ways to recruit and study “hidden populations,” and participatory ethnographic video production. These data collection strategies are called “enhanced ethnographic methods” because each of them parallels and enhances a strategy first presented in Book 3. Most ethnographers will want to use at least one or two of these enhanced ethnographic methods in their work. Each classic chapter is comprehensive, offering an introduction, description, examples of how to use the method or approach, and discussion of how to conduct effective analyses. Using Book 3 and Book 4 together adds depth and accuracy to cultural portraits and explications.

Other books in the set:

Book 1:
Designing and Conducting Ethnographic Research: An Introduction, Second Edition
by Margaret D. LeCompte and Jean J. Schensul
9780759118690

Book 2:
Initiating Ethnographic Research: A Mixed Methods Approach
by Stephen L. Schensul, Jean J. Schensul, and Margaret D. LeCompte
9780759122017

Book 3:
Essential Ethnographic Methods: A Mixed Methods Approach, Second Edition
by Jean J. Schensul and Margaret D. LeCompte
9780759122031

Book 5:
Analysis and Interpretation of Ethnographic Data: A Mixed Methods Approach, Second Edition
by Margaret D. LeCompte and Jean J. Schensul
9780759122079

Book 6:
Ethics in Ethnography: A Mixed Methods Approach
by Margaret D. LeCompte and Jean J. Schensul
9780759122093

Book 7:
Ethnography in Action: A Mixed Methods Approach
by Jean J. Schensul and Margaret D. LeCompte
9780759122116
The fourth volume in the second edition of the excellent seven-volume "Ethnographer's Toolkit" series, this compilation features expert-authored chapters, each dealing with a specialized methodology for conducting applied ethnographic research. Topics include mapping spatial data, studying hidden and hard-to-reach populations and elicitation techniques, using archival and secondary data, utilizing multimedia, and creating participatory ethnographic videos. Experts in various methodologies of specialized ethnographic research explain complicated research tasks and designs, data collection techniques, and analytical strategies in clear, helpful ways; chapters conclude with extensive references. In the introduction, editors LeCompte (Univ. of Colorado) and Schensul (Institute for Community Research, Hartford, CT) provide useful contextual information. Easily visible key points, definitions, cross-references, and case studies that are highlighted in the margins assist readers. Rounding out the volume are lists of examples, tables and figures, and contributor information. Although other applied anthropology textbooks, e.g., A. Erwin's Applied Anthropology: Tools and Perspectives for Contemporary Practice (2nd ed., 2005), are good introductions, this volume is a uniquely essential guide to designing and conducting specialized ethnographic research. Invaluable for professors and students of applied anthropology, educators, social and health services professionals, and others interested in applied anthropological research. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above.