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.
Appreciations to . . .
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Chapter 1: An Overview: The First Step
Overview
The Problem
Basic or Applied Role
Theory
Research Design: Fieldwork
Formal Analysis
The Ethnography
Book Organization
Chapter 2: Anthropological Concepts: Walking in Rhythm
Culture
Holistic Perspective
Contextualization
Emic Perspective and Multiple Realities
Etic Perspective
Nonjudgmental Orientation
Inter- and Intracultural Diversity
Structure and Function
Symbol and Ritual
Micro- or Macrolevel Study
Reflexivity
Operationalism
Chapter 3: Methods and Techniques: A Wilderness Guide
Fieldwork
Selection and Sampling
Entry
Participant Observation
Interviewing
Lists and Forms
Questionnaires
Projective Techniques
Additional Eliciting Devices
Unobtrusive Measures
Chapter 4: Ethnographic Equipment: Gearing Up
Pen and Paper
Digital Voice Recorders
Smart Phones
Web Mapping Services
Tablets
Computers
Database Software
Cameras
Video Camera
Cinema
Internet
Chapter 5: Analysis: Finding Your Way Through the Forest
Thinking
Triangulation
Patterns
Key Events
Maps
Flowcharts
Organizational Charts
Matrices
Content Analysis
Statistics
Crystallization
Chapter 6: Writing: Recording the Miracle
Research Proposals
Field Notes
Field Note Organization
Memoranda
Interim Reports
Final Reports, Blogs, Data Visualizations, Articles, and Books
Thick Description and Verbatim Quotations
Ethnographic Present
Ethnographic Presence
Ethnographically Informed Reports
Literature
Revising and Editing
Chapter 7: Ethics: Walking Softly Through the Wilderness
Historical Context
The Ethnographer's Role
Academic and Applied Ethnography
Research Life Cycle
Conclusion
Appendix: Organization of Field Notes
References
Index
