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Image of a researcher AEE 578--Scientific Inquiry in Agricultural and Extension Education
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Introduction to Qualitative and Ethnographic Research
Introduction:

Image of a magnifying glass 		Typically agricultural and extension educators do survey research and collect data with some type of questionnaire that contains a ton of questions then run all types of statistical analysis on it (quantitative research). Dr. Key at Oklahoma State refers to this as gathering data with a steam shovel and then analyzing it with a microscope. We may not really "uncover'" what we need to by utilizing this approach to research.

If we really want to "uncover" the true problems and issues in the classroom, with youth organizations, and the profession we might be better served by conducting qualitative research.  In this lesson we will learn more about qualitative research and more specifically ethnographic research.
Learning Objectives:

Icon of a signpost 		image of a ball Explain what is meant by the term "qualitative research."
image of a ball Describe five general characteristics that most qualitative studies have in common.
image of a ball Describe some of the steps involved in qualitative research.
image of a ball Identify at least three ways in whcih qualitative research differs from quantitavie research.
image of a ball Describe at least four approaches to quantitative research.
image of a ball Define ethnographic research
image of a ball Identify the characteristics of ethnographic research
image of a ball Discuss the process of ethnographic research
image of a ball Identify the strengths and concerns regarding ethnographic research
image of a ball Describe how ethnographic research could be used in agricultural and extension education
Instructional
Activities:

Icon of a computer 		image of a ballRead Chapter 18 The Nature of Qualitative Research and Chapter 21 Ethnographic Research in How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education (Fraenkel & Wallen).

image of a ball This 60 second video does a good job of explaining why you would use qualitative research methods (in the context of marketing, but is applicable to agricultural and extension education also).

image of a ball Even though this video references health care, it does a good job of describing four appproaches to qualitative research.

image of a ball See what Trochim says about:
 image of a ball Read "A Synthesis of Ethnographic Research" by Genzuk. This paper provides a good summary of issues and processes of conducting ethnographic research.  There is also a PDF version.

 image of a ball Some people have problems evaluating ethnographic research. Donald Ratcliff provides a framework for evaluating ethnographic research in Evaluating Ethnographic Research: 5 Attributes and 12 Components.

image of a ball   Want to see an example of ethnographic research in agricultural and extension education? Read Stakeholder Effect: A Qualitative Study Of The Influence Of Farm Leaders' Ideas On A Sustainable Agriculture Education Program For Adults published in the Journal of Agricultural Education by Nancy Grudens-Schuck.

image of a ball Please scan the article Elementary And Middle School Agriculture Curriculum Development: An Account Of Teacher Struggle At Countryside Charter School from the Journal of Agricultural Education. Pay particular attention to the way the findings are reported. The authors describe the research as a qualitative case study. By the strictest definition this is not an ethnographic study but it has many characteristics of ethnographic research, especially in the reporting of the findings.

image of a ball Download the PowerPoint presentation on qualitative and ethnographic research. 
Review:

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 Image of a blue ball The publisher of the textbook has some excellent information to support the text; you should check it out:
 Image of a blue ball Visit the text site and complete the multiple choice questions for Chapter 18 and Chapter 21
Additional Resources:
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 		Image of a blue ball IF you want to see more (NOT required):
Assignments:               
Icon of note pad 		Image of a blue ballComplete the qualitative research worksheet.

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