Ethnography: A Comprehensive Guide for Medical Students

Question 1

Ethnographic research is prone to various biases. Identify potential sources of bias and suggest strategies to mitigate their impact.

Accepted Answer

Triangulation methods, combining data from multiple sources, can minimize bias.

Answer

Researchers should limit their engagement with participants to avoid forming relationships.

Answer

Relying solely on the researcher's experiences and assumptions can reduce bias.

Question 2

Which principle of ethnographic research emphasizes immersing the researcher in the field and actively participating in the community?

Accepted Answer

Immersion and participant observation

Answer

Quantitative data collection

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Random sampling

Question 3

What is the primary data collection method used in ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

Participant observation

Answer

Interviews

Answer

Focus groups

Answer

Questionnaires

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT an ethical consideration in ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

Objectivity and neutrality

Answer

Protecting participants from harm and exploitation

Answer

Ensuring anonymity and confidentiality

Answer

Obtaining informed consent

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

To record observations, interactions, and experiences

Answer

To transcribe conversations verbatim

Answer

To develop research hypotheses

Answer

To disseminate research findings

Question 6

In ethnography, what is the difference between thick and thin descriptions?

Accepted Answer

Thick descriptions provide detailed observations and context, while thin descriptions focus on factual events.

Answer

Thin descriptions provide detailed observations and context, while thick descriptions focus on factual events.

Answer

Thick descriptions are objective accounts, while thin descriptions are subjective interpretations.

Answer

Thin descriptions are objective accounts, while thick descriptions are subjective interpretations.

Question 7

What is the importance of reflexivity in ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledging and examining the researcher's own biases and perspectives

Answer

Objectively observing participants without personal reflections

Answer

Developing research questions based on preconceptions

Answer

Generalizing findings to a wider population

Question 8

What is a potential benefit of using ethnographic methods?

Accepted Answer

Gaining a deep understanding of cultural practices and social interactions

Answer

Collecting large-scale, statistically significant data

Answer

Ensuring objectivity and eliminating bias

Answer

Collecting data quickly and inexpensively

Question 9

What is the primary goal of data analysis in ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

Identifying patterns, themes, and meanings within the collected data

Answer

Statistically testing hypotheses

Answer

Generalizing findings to a wider population

Answer

Presenting findings in a visually appealing format

Question 10

In ethnographic research, informed consent primarily involves:

Accepted Answer

Participants providing consent after fully understanding the research aims and potential risks

Answer

Submitting research findings to an ethics committee for review

Answer

Using pseudonyms to maintain participants' anonymity

Question 11

Select the defining characteristic of ethnographic research:

Accepted Answer

Immersive and extended engagement

Answer

Exclusive use of quantitative data

Answer

Formulating hypotheses before data collection

Answer

Objective observation without researcher involvement

Question 12

Which of the following is a fundamental aspect of participant observation in ethnography?

Accepted Answer

Observation and documentation of interactions and events

Answer

Direct questioning of participants

Answer

Administering questionnaires and surveys

Answer

Analysis of historical archives

Question 13

The primary purpose of field notes in ethnographic research is to:

Accepted Answer

Document observations, insights, and reflections

Answer

Provide conclusive evidence for arguments

Answer

Generate testable hypotheses

Answer

Maintain confidentiality of participant identities

Question 14

The purpose of reflexivity in ethnography is to:

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge and address the researcher's biases and limitations

Answer

Eliminate the researcher's impact on the data

Answer

Increase the reliability and validity of findings

Answer

Objectify the research process

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a commonly used method for analyzing ethnographic data?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative statistical analysis

Answer

Thematic analysis

Answer

Discourse analysis

Answer

Grounded theory

Question 16

In ethnography, the 'emic' perspective refers to:

Accepted Answer

The participants' own understanding of their lived experiences

Answer

The researcher's interpretation of the data

Answer

A combination of the researcher's and participants' perspectives

Answer

Objectively collected and analyzed data

Question 17

The primary strength of ethnographic research lies in its:

Accepted Answer

In-depth understanding of specific groups or contexts

Answer

Generalizability to large populations

Answer

Objectivity and scientific rigor

Answer

Statistical validity

Question 18

Which of the following is a defining feature of participant observation in ethnographic research?

Accepted Answer

Active participation within the group under study

Answer

Observing from a distance without direct involvement

Answer

Concealing one's presence to avoid influencing participants

Answer

Conducting structured interviews with predefined questions

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Involves sustained participant observation and immersion in the field

Answer

Primarily relies on structured interviews and surveys for data collection

Answer

Focuses on quantitative analysis of large-scale datasets

Answer

Emphasizes experimentation and hypothesis testing

Question 20

In ethnographic research, the primary method of data collection is:

Accepted Answer

Participant observation

Answer

Questionnaires

Answer

Interviews

Answer

Document analysis

Question 21

In ethnography, field notes serve primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Record detailed observations and experiences in the field

Answer

Provide a comprehensive summary of the research findings

Answer

Guide the researcher's interpretations and analysis of the data

Answer

Justify the researcher's presence and actions in the field

Question 22

The central aim of ethnographic research is to:

Accepted Answer

Gain an in-depth understanding of the cultural context and experiences of a particular group

Answer

Provide generalizable findings applicable to a wider population

Answer

Test specific hypotheses or theories

Answer

Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions