EDUC9764 Methods in Ethnography

This topic introduces the student to the methodologies of ethnography and grounded theory. An understanding of the historical development of Ethnography and Grounded Theory informs the student's perspective on the role of qualitative research in the field of education and social research more generally. Ethnography encompasses a range of qualitative research methods including interviews, focus groups, observation, field notes and relevant techniques of analysis. Students will consider ethnography through relevant theoretical lenses. Assessment tasks are catered to postgraduate courses.

This topic aims to:

• Develop a deep understanding of the practice of qualitative research and knowledge production
• Provide an historical understanding of the development of the social sciences and educational research
• Develop skills in ethnographic and grounded theory research
• Develop the capacity to critically analyse research design and establish skills in discerning between research methodologies in the field of education

1. Articulate the difference between quantitative and qualitative research, and different forms of qualitative research
2. Articulate the historical circumstances from which particular methods and methodologies arise
3. Demonstrate skills in critically analysing the use of different methodologies in different research settings
4. Demonstrate skills in qualitative research design in the fields of ethnography and/or grounded theory