06-Planning An Ethnographic Study

During the planning phase, these are the main areas you should focus on to ensure you are setting yourself up to succeed while on the field, collecting data.

Determine the methods: The type of methods you use in the study will depend on broadly three factors. First, the type of question you are trying to answer. For example, an evaluative study will need the use of methods like contextual inquiry or experience walkthroughs. Of course, the other thing to consider while choosing methods depends on the amount of data and type of data available in the existing literature. Finally, the scope of the project will also play a part in helping to choose methods. More time, budget, and inquiry allows the selection of data collection tools.

Define boundaries: During the planning phase, it is essential to define the boundaries of the inquiry. Clarity with this will help determine what topics need to be studied and what will be out of scope. This will help you design the arc of a study — including themes to inquire about and questions to ask while interacting with participants.

Determine resources: In the planning phase, you will also need to iron out the logistical details of the project. The available budget, time, and human resources will shape the remainder of the project. If not figured out already, you should focus on gaining clarity on resource-oriented constraints during this phase.

Design a fieldwork guide: No ethnographic project should begin without a field guide that researchers use while collecting primary data. The field guide helps researchers orient themselves and remember what is most essential while in the field gathering data.

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