Ethnographic Interview
Ethnography: Cultural Interview is the direct observation, reporting, and evaluation of the customary behavior of a culture. As the preferred research method of cultural anthropologist, ethnography allows the researcher to learn directly from the individuals they are studying.
Procedures:
1. Select and interview a person (also known as an informant) who is from a different ethnic or cultural group than you. It is suggested that students select an informant who has been in this country no more than ten years (this allows for a rich and in-depth interview). Do not select a relative or family member.
2. Research the informant’s culture before your initial meeting. Plan how you will attempt to establish rapport. Be creative and imaginative.
3. Explain to your informant that this is a class assignment
4. Review the interview questions. Prepare both formal and informal types of questions which will be started in class.
5. Record your feelings, expectations, and attitudes about this assignment before you begin the actual interview. This is an essential part of the content of the paper.
6. Remember to treat your informant with respect. They are doing you a favor. One way to show respect is to avoid controversial topics.
7. Determine how you will compensate your informant. Seek out a culturally acceptable form such as buying them a snack, cup of tea, or cup of coffee.
8. Proceed with the interview. Record questions and responses. You can take written notes, tape or video record the experience but develop a strategy after consulting with the informant.
Pre-Interview and Post-Interview Questions (to be integrated into the final paper):
1. Before you meet the informant, record your feelings, expectations, and attitudes about the pending interview and describe how you prepared for the experience.
2. After the interview, report how the interview went: (Best to take a few moments immediately after to record this information)
