Fieldwork And Ethnography Questions
The key components of an ethnographic research proposal typically include the following:
1. Research question: Clearly state the main question or objective of the study, which should be focused and specific to the ethnographic research context.
2. Background and rationale: Provide a brief overview of the existing literature and theories related to the research topic, highlighting the gaps or limitations that the proposed study aims to address.
3. Research design: Describe the overall approach and methodology that will be used in the ethnographic research, such as participant observation, interviews, and document analysis. Explain how these methods will help in collecting data and gaining insights into the research question.
4. Sampling strategy: Outline the criteria and process for selecting participants or sites for the study. Justify why these choices are appropriate and how they will contribute to the overall research objectives.
5. Data collection and analysis: Detail the specific techniques and tools that will be used to collect data, such as field notes, audio or video recordings, and photographs. Additionally, explain how the collected data will be analyzed, whether through thematic analysis, coding, or other qualitative methods.
6. Ethical considerations: Discuss the ethical implications of the research, including informed consent, confidentiality, and potential risks to participants. Explain how these ethical concerns will be addressed and mitigated throughout the research process.
7. Timeline and budget: Provide a realistic timeline for the different stages of the research, including data collection, analysis, and writing. Additionally, estimate the resources and budget required for the research, such as travel expenses, equipment, and transcription services.
8. Expected outcomes and significance: Clearly state the expected outcomes or findings of the research and explain their significance in relation to the existing literature or real-world implications. Highlight how the proposed study will contribute to the field of ethnography and political science.
9. Limitations and challenges: Acknowledge any potential limitations or challenges that may arise during the research process, such as access to participants or cultural barriers. Discuss how these limitations will be addressed or mitigated to ensure the validity and reliability of the research.
10. References: Include a list of relevant academic sources and literature that have informed the research proposal. Use appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA) to acknowledge the sources used in the proposal.
It is important to note that the specific components and structure of an ethnographic research proposal may vary depending on the requirements of the institution or research funding agency.