Ethnographic Research: Principles, Methods, and Ethics for Social Work

Question 1

Which of the following is not a defining characteristic of ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on statistical analysis and quantitative methods

Answer

Intensive involvement and immersion in the social setting

Answer

Collection and analysis of qualitative data

Answer

Deep understanding of cultural practices and beliefs

Question 2

What is a paramount ethical consideration in ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining confidentiality and obtaining informed consent

Answer

Ensuring objectivity and impartiality

Answer

Generalizing findings to a broader population

Answer

Eliminating researcher bias completely

Question 3

What is the primary role of the researcher in ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

To actively participate and immerse themselves in the social setting

Answer

To remain detached and observe participants from a distance

Answer

To act as a neutral facilitator guiding the research process

Answer

To become a subject of research, sharing their personal experiences

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of field notes in ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

To document observations, experiences, and reflections throughout the research process

Answer

To provide verbatim transcripts of interviews conducted with participants

Answer

To analyze data and draw conclusions during the research

Answer

To support personal biases and assumptions of the researcher

Question 5

What is the main objective of member checking in ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

To verify the accuracy and validity of findings by seeking feedback from participants

Answer

To reduce researcher bias and ensure objectivity in the research process

Answer

To ensure confidentiality and protect the identities of participants

Answer

To finalize the research report and draw definitive conclusions

Question 6

The primary purpose of ethnographic research is to:

Accepted Answer

Understand social phenomena through in-depth immersion and observation

Answer

Collect statistical data for hypothesis testing

Answer

Evaluate the effectiveness of social programs

Answer

Examine individual behavior in controlled laboratory settings

Question 7

Which of the following is a key data collection method in qualitative ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

Participant observation

Answer

Structured interviews with fixed questions

Answer

Content analysis of demographic data

Answer

Quantitative surveys with closed-ended questions

Question 8

In ethnographic research, it is crucial for the researcher to:

Accepted Answer

Establish rapport and build trust with research subjects

Answer

Remain distant and objective from the participants

Answer

Control and manipulate variables to test hypotheses

Answer

Maintain a strict research protocol throughout the study

Question 9

Participant observation involves:

Accepted Answer

Observing and recording behaviors, interactions, and events in a natural setting

Answer

Conducting formal interviews with a predetermined set of questions

Answer

Analyzing written or visual data to identify patterns and themes

Answer

Using statistical methods to quantify observations

Question 10

Ethnographic interviewing aims to:

Accepted Answer

Obtain detailed accounts of personal experiences and perspectives

Answer

Test hypotheses and gather objective data

Answer

Establish a formal rapport with research subjects

Answer

Control and manipulate variables in the research setting

Question 11

In ethnographic research, data analysis often involves:

Accepted Answer

Thematic coding and interpretation of qualitative data

Answer

Statistical analysis of quantitative data

Answer

Content analysis of written documents

Answer

Meta-analysis of multiple research studies

Question 12

Which of the following best describes a key characteristic of ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

Observing and participating in a social setting over an extended period

Answer

Collecting data solely through surveys and questionnaires

Answer

Testing predefined hypotheses through quantitative analysis

Answer

Conducting research with a limited timeframe and narrow focus

Question 13

Which data collection method involves the researcher actively immersing themselves within a social group to observe and record behaviors and interactions?

Accepted Answer

Participant observation

Answer

Structured interviews

Answer

Content analysis

Answer

Focus groups

Question 14

What is a primary objective of participant observation in ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

To gather detailed descriptions of social interactions and behaviors

Answer

To measure the effectiveness of social interventions

Answer

To collect statistical data for quantitative analysis

Answer

To provide a platform for participants to express their opinions

Question 15

In ethnographic research, which of the following best describes the researcher's role?

Accepted Answer

To actively participate in the community as a member

Answer

To remain detached and observe from a distance

Answer

To assume a leadership role and guide participants

Answer

To minimize their influence and bias

Question 16

Which type of validity emphasizes the extent to which research findings are applicable to real-world settings?

Accepted Answer

Ecological validity

Answer

Internal validity

Answer

External validity

Answer

Construct validity

Question 17

In ethnographic research, which data collection method entails extended immersion within a community?

Accepted Answer

Participant Observation

Answer

Interviewing

Answer

Document Analysis

Answer

Survey Research

Question 18

Which of the following best defines ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

A qualitative research approach involving immersion in a social setting to study a group's culture and practices

Answer

A mixed-methods research approach combining qualitative and quantitative methods

Answer

An experimental research approach involving controlled manipulation of variables

Answer

A quantitative research approach using statistical analysis to test hypotheses

Question 19

What is the primary objective of ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

To gain a deep and comprehensive understanding of a particular group's culture and practices from their own perspective

Answer

To evaluate the effectiveness of a social intervention

Answer

To generalize the findings to a wider population

Answer

To test specific hypotheses about the group's behavior

Question 20

Which data collection method is most commonly employed in ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

Participant observation, involving direct immersion and interaction with the group being studied

Answer

Structured interviews, using a fixed set of questions to gather data

Answer

Experimental manipulation, involving the controlled introduction of changes to the group's environment

Answer

Content analysis, involving the analysis of written or spoken materials

Question 21

Which of the following is a potential application of ethnographic research in social work practice?

Accepted Answer

Understanding the needs and experiences of marginalized and vulnerable populations, such as the homeless or individuals with disabilities

Answer

Designing and implementing social policies on a national level

Answer

Evaluating the effectiveness of social interventions using randomized controlled trials

Answer

Providing counseling and therapy to individuals and families

Question 22

What is the difference between emic and etic perspectives in ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

Emic: Insider's perspective, focusing on the subjective experiences and interpretations of the group being studied; Etic: Outsider's perspective, focusing on the objective and measurable aspects of the group's behavior

Answer

Emic: Holistic perspective; Etic: Reductionist perspective

Answer

Emic: Qualitative perspective; Etic: Quantitative perspective

Answer

Emic: Long-term perspective; Etic: Short-term perspective

Question 23

What is the role of the researcher in ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

As an active participant-observer who engages with the group being studied while maintaining a critical and reflective stance

Answer

As a detached and objective observer who records events without interacting with the group

Answer

As an authority figure who directs the research process and controls the group's behavior

Question 24

What is the importance of reflexivity in ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

It allows researchers to critically examine their own biases, assumptions, and experiences, and how these might influence the research process and findings

Answer

It increases the generalizability of the research findings to other groups or settings

Answer

It helps to ensure the validity and reliability of the research findings