ETHNOGRAPHIC FIELD RESEARCH AS A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHOD IN SOCIAL SCIENCES

Qualitative research method focuses on questions of cause and effects of human behaviour and experiences. These are flexible and are based on introspection. These methods are seen to be vibrantly complex where epistemological foundation becomes important. There are multiple ways of using data to study. The Applied method could be useful here. Qualitative methods do not focus on macro theories but rather it does on everyday experiences of life. The significance of epistemological and ontological questions in social sciences and the importance of evolution of methods help to understand the comprehensive view of the subject. The ultimate focus is on the multiplicity or plurality of the reality. The Qualitative method poses a firm critique against the positivist approach where it implies the importance of multiple realties not one singular entity. The notion of power relation in terms of hierarchy also gains ground. One of the eminent exponents of ethnographic research Bronislaw Malinowski popularized the idea of studying outside of one's comfort zone and initiated the ideas of outsider and insider views of study. This kind of study can lead to notions of inclusion and exclusion. The personal experiences are of utmost importance in social science researches. The importance lies within the discourse analysis, emotions, socially constructed values which seem to be profoundly evident in these studies. Malinowski studies the tribes and drew inferences of them and created good relations with them. The predominant requirement is the researcher should adapt himself to the surroundings and object of study by immersing oneself in an intensive setting. These studies can lead to unveiling of the real picture of the case being studied through first- hand knowledge. The notions of triangulation and creation of conceptual tools are important to study the social-cultural picture or the human behaviour. The focus should be on explicit understanding of real meaning beyond what is clearly laid out. The inaccessible areas could be studied and the selection of a site and gaining of access by gatekeepers and exiting the site becomes essential. The extent of receiving information along with validity or reliability stands as the foremost pillars of qualitative studies in social sciences. Ethnographic study incorporates ethical issues which balances the credibility of ethnographic research.