What type of qualitative method does ethnography primarily utilize?

Study for the AQA A Level Sociology Research Methods Test. Master research design, sampling, and data analysis with interactive quizzes and detailed explanations. Get exam-ready!

Ethnography primarily employs observations and interviews as its qualitative methods, making this response apt. This approach immerses researchers in the daily lives and social contexts of the subjects, allowing them to gain deep insights into behaviors, interactions, and cultures. Through observations, ethnographers can document how individuals behave in their natural environments, while interviews enable them to gather personal narratives and experiences directly from those being studied. This combination is essential for producing rich, detailed accounts that are central to ethnographic research.

The other options reflect methods that do not align with the qualitative nature of ethnography. Quantitative analysis focuses on numerical data and statistical methods, which are not characteristic of ethnographic studies. Postal surveys are a form of questionnaire distributed to gather structured data, often not providing the depth needed for ethnographic insight. Controlled experiments rely on manipulation and control of variables, typically associated with quantitative research rather than the immersive and descriptive style of ethnography.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy