Bridging the Theory-Practice gap: 03 Practical examples of ethnographic research design

Ethnographic research design stands as a powerful lens that unravels the complexities of cultures, behaviors, and social phenomena. In this academic exploration, we try to understand the practical applications of ethnography, navigating the realms of urban communities, healthcare, and nursing care with a focus on patients with chronic illnesses. From the bustling streets of a city to the quiet corridors of healthcare facilities, ethnography provides a unique vantage point, allowing researchers to immerse themselves in the lives of individuals, uncovering narratives that shape our understanding of the world.

This blog post aims to pick up 03 practical examples from the body of literature and discuss them from various angles and different dimensions so that you may understand the art and science of ethnographic research design as given below:

1. Example of ethnographic research design to understand social code and cultural dynamics of an urban community
2. Example of ethnographic research design in the field of healthcare to understand the diversity of illness experiences and the importance of narrative in healthcare delivery
3. Example of ethnographic research design in the field of Nursing to get insights into the lived experiences of healthcare professionals, contributing to the improvement of nursing practice and quality of patient care.

These real-life examples are discussed here one by one in detail:

Example of ethnographic research design to understand cultural dynamics and social code of an urban community

A practical example of ethnographic research design is the study conducted by sociologist Elijah Anderson and referred in his book- “Code of the Street: Decency, Violence, and the Moral Life of the Inner City” published in 1999. Anderson’s ethnographic research focused on understanding the social dynamics and cultural codes within an inner-city neighborhood in Philadelphia.

Title: Code of the Street: Decency, Violence, and the Moral Life of the Inner City

Research Question: What are the social codes and cultural dynamics that influence interactions, behaviors, and violence within an inner-city neighborhood?

Methodology:

1. Participant observation:
   • Anderson immersed himself in the community, spending several years living in and regularly visiting the neighborhood.
   • Actively participated in community events, observed daily life, and engaged in informal conversations with residents.
2. In-depth interviews:
   • He conducted extensive one-on-one interviews with a diverse range of community members, including both individuals engaged in street life and those attempting to distance themselves from it.
   • Explored topics such as social norms, interpersonal relationships, and the role of violence in the community.
3. Field notes and diary keeping:
   • He maintained detailed field notes and a research diary to document observations, thoughts, and reflections on the ongoing interactions and events in the community.
4. Visual documentation:

• He used photography and videography to capture visual elements of the neighborhood, including public spaces, social interactions, and the physical environment.

Data Analysis:

1. Thematic analysis:
   • He analyzed interview transcripts, field notes, and visual data to identify recurring themes related to the “code of the street” – a set of informal rules governing social interactions and behaviors within the community.
2. Narrative coding:

• He examined the narratives and stories shared by community members to understand the lived experiences and perspectives of individuals within the neighborhood.

Results:

Anderson’s ethnographic study provided rich insights into the social dynamics of the inner-city neighborhood. He identified and described the “code of the street” as a set of informal rules and cultural norms that residents adhered to, influencing everything from interpersonal relationships to responses to perceived disrespect. The study highlighted the impact of socioeconomic factors, structural inequality, and historical context on shaping the community’s unique social code.

Implications:

The findings of the research have implications for understanding and addressing issues related to violence, community relations and the moral framework within inner-city neighborhoods. It contributes to discussions about social policy, community development, and interventions aimed at improving the quality of life in such communities.

This example illustrates how ethnographic research design can be applied to gain an in-depth understanding of the social and cultural dynamics within a specific community.

Example of ethnographic research design in the field of healthcare

Another real-world example of ethnographic research in the field of healthcare is the work conducted by Dr. Arthur Kleinman, a medical anthropologist and his colleagues in their study titled, “The Illness Narratives: Suffering, Healing, and the Human Condition.” The study published in 1988 aimed to understand how individuals experience and cope with chronic illness, focusing on the cultural, social, and personal dimensions of health and healthcare.

Title: The Illness Narratives: Suffering, Healing, and the Human Condition

Research Question: How do individuals and their families experience, interpret, and cope with chronic illness, and what role do cultural and social factors play in shaping their illness narratives?

Methodology:

1. Participant observation:
   • Kleinman engaged in long-term participant observation within healthcare settings, accompanying individuals and their families as they navigated the challenges of chronic illness.
   • He observed doctor-patient interactions, family dynamics, and the overall healthcare environment.
2. In-depth interviews:
   • He conducted open-ended, in-depth interviews with individuals diagnosed with chronic illnesses, as well as their family members and healthcare providers.
   • Explored personal experiences, cultural beliefs about illness, and the impact of the illness on daily life.
3. Cultural probes and artifacts:
   • He used cultural probes, such as diaries, photographs, and artwork, to encourage participants to express their experiences, emotions, and perspectives in non-verbal ways.
   • He collected and analyzed these artifacts as supplementary sources of data.
4. Longitudinal studies:

• He followed participants over an extended period to capture the evolving nature of their illness experiences, treatment regimens, and interactions with the healthcare system.
• He documented changes in narratives and coping strategies over time.

Data Analysis:

1. Thematic coding:
   • He analyzed interview transcripts, field notes, and artifacts to identify recurring themes related to the experience of chronic illness, coping mechanisms, and interactions with healthcare professionals.
2. Narrative analysis:

• He examined the narratives shared by participants to understand the storytelling process and how individuals construct and make sense of their illness experiences.

Results:

The study provided a nuanced understanding of the human experience of chronic illness. It highlighted the importance of illness narratives in shaping individuals’ perceptions of their conditions, their interactions with healthcare providers, and the impact of cultural and social contexts on coping strategies.

Implications:

The findings have implications for healthcare practice, emphasizing the need for a more patient-centered approach that considers the cultural and social dimensions of illness. This research contributes to the development of interventions and support systems that acknowledge the diversity of illness experiences and the importance of narrative in healthcare delivery.

This practical example illustrates how ethnographic research design can be applied to explore the complex and subjective dimensions of health and illness within a cultural and social context.

Example of ethnographic research design in the field of Nursing

While there are numerous ethnographic studies in the field of nursing, here we discuss an example based on the work of Dr. Patricia Benner, a nursing theorist, and her colleague Judith Wrubel. One of their notable works is, “The Primacy of Caring: Stress and Coping in Health and Illness,” a collaborative study published in 1989 explores the experiences of nurses caring for patients with chronic illnesses.

Title: The Primacy of Caring: Stress and Coping in Health and Illness

Research Question: How do nurses experience and cope with the stress associated with caring for patients with chronic illnesses, and what role does the nursing culture play in shaping their coping mechanisms?

Methodology:

1. Participant observation:
   • Judith Wrubel and Patricia Benner immersed themselves in clinical settings, shadowing nurses in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and home care.
   • They observed nurse-patient interactions, team dynamics, and the overall work environment.
2. In-depth interviews:
   • They conducted open-ended, in-depth interviews with nurses at different stages of their careers, with a focus on those providing care to patients with chronic illnesses.
   • They explored personal experiences, emotional challenges, coping strategies, and perceptions of the nursing profession.
3. Shadowing and role immersion:
   • They engaged in role immersion by shadowing nurses during their shifts, actively participating in patient care activities, and experiencing the day-to-day challenges faced by nurses.
   • This method allowed researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the practical aspects of nursing.
4. Focus groups:

• They facilitated focus group discussions with nursing teams to explore shared experiences, team dynamics, and the influence of the organizational culture on stress and coping.

Data Analysis:

1. Thematic coding:
   • They analyzed interview transcripts, field notes, and observational data to identify recurring themes related to stressors, coping mechanisms, and the impact of the nursing culture.
2. Constant comparative analysis:

• They used constant comparative analysis to compare and contrast data across different nurses, settings, and stages of career, aiming to generate broader patterns and insights.

Results:

The study revealed a complex interplay of factors influencing nurses’ experiences, stress levels, and coping strategies. It highlighted the significance of emotional labor, teamwork, and organizational support in shaping the nursing experience, especially when dealing with patients with chronic illnesses. The nursing culture emerged as a critical factor influencing how nurses navigate the emotional and practical challenges of their profession.

Implications:

The findings have implications for nursing education, professional development, and organizational policies. They underscore the importance of recognizing and addressing the emotional demands of nursing, fostering supportive team dynamics, and implementing strategies to enhance the overall well-being of nurses in their caregiving roles.

This example illustrates how ethnographic research in nursing can provide valuable insights into the lived experiences of healthcare professionals, contributing to the improvement of nursing practice and the overall quality of patient care.

Conclusion

In the complex pattern of human experiences, ethnographic research design emerges as a profound tool, offering a lens into the nuanced dynamics of diverse settings. From the intimate stories within healthcare to the vibrant cultures within urban communities, our exploration of practical examples underscores the invaluable insights ethnography affords.

As we conclude this blog post, we appreciate and acknowledge the researchers who immerse themselves in the intricacies of real-life contexts, enriching our collective understanding of the multifaceted tapestry of humanity. Ethnography stands not just as a research method but as a gateway to empathy, connection, and a deeper comprehension of the narratives that shape our shared existence.

References:

Anderson, E. (1999). Code of the Street: Decency, Violence, and the Moral Life of the Inner City. W.W. Norton & Company, New York.

Benner, P. and Wrubel, J. (1989) The Primacy of Caring: Stress and Coping in Health And Illness. Addison-Wesley, Menlo Park.

Kleinman, A. (1988) The illness narratives: Suffering, healing, and the human condition. Basic Books, New York.