Part 3: Ethnography Research Paper
After completing your observations and fieldnotes, you should now plan to write a
mini-ethnography. This paper should be 2500-3500 words total, not including
references.
Use the following sections to guide your paper:
1. Introduction: What was your topic/research question? Why did you choose
this site? What is the relevance of this inquiry? You may include secondary
sources in this section if appropriate.
2. Assumptions & Early Hypotheses: How did you feel about your research
question and site prior to making observations? What assumptions did you
make about this site or group? What does existing research say about this
topic? How does this research inform your assumptions? Include at least two
references to course materials in this section.
3. Methodology: What methods did you take in this inquiry? What was your
process for gathering information? How did you make observations? Where
did you go? What did you notice? Who did you speak with?
4. Data Analysis: Drawing from your fieldnotes, tell us what you saw and heard.
Here is where you analyze and make sense of your observations and the
information you collected. What is significant about your observations? How
did the data as a whole contribute to your understanding of this topic? Are
your observations aligned with the research that you read in class? Were you
surprised by any discoveries? Here you are creating a picture of your culture,
so don’t forget about dialogue, descriptions, etc. You might include excerpts
from your fieldnotes here to really help make a point.
5. Conclusion: Ultimately, what were your findings? Do any of your questions or
thoughts remain unclear? Would deeper examination on this topic be
relevant? If so, why?
Basic Requirements:
● Use a consistent academic format. If you are unsure, use the Chicago format.
● 2500-3500 words, spacing and font size is up to you.
● Include section titles (introduction, methodology, conclusion, etc.) in bolded
font.
● Include at least three sources from our course content in your paper.
