What is the difference between ethnography and participant observation?

Answer 1

Ethnography and participant observation are widely recognized methods of qualitative research, both of which involve studying communities or groups over an extended period by conducting interviews and observations. Ethnography is a broader term that encompasses unstructured observation of behavior, followed by in-depth, informal discussions and interviews with those being studied. Historically, ethnographies have served as a means to explore culture and life within specific communities, offering comprehensive descriptions of their traditions and events. These accounts typically aim to portray the community from an internal perspective, reflecting the viewpoints of its members. Participant observation refers specifically to the observational aspect of ethnographic research, although the two terms generally describe a similar process of in-depth qualitative study. In both cases, the researcher becomes immersed in a particular social setting for an extended duration, often spanning years.

Answer 2

According to Bryman(2007), "ethnography is also....a study in which participant observation is the prevalent research method, but has a specific focus on the culture of the group in which the ethnographer is immersed"

Answer 3

Ethnography is a research method that involves studying and documenting a culture or group of people, while participant observation is a specific data collection technique within ethnography where the researcher actively participates in the activities of the group being studied. In participant observation, the researcher immerses themselves in the culture to gain a deeper understanding of the group's practices, beliefs, and social dynamics.