Laura Pountney - Introducing Anthropology

covert observationWhen a study is carried out ‘under cover’: the researcher’s identity and purpose of research are concealed from the group

digital anthropologyThe anthropological study of relationship between humans and the digital era technology

digital ethnographyThis is an approach to ethnographic practice that accounts for the relationship between the digital, material and physical elements of human activities, experiences and environments

empiricalVerifiable through the senses (sight, touch, smell, hearing, taste), either directly or through extensions (reliance on observable and quantifiable data)

fieldworkThe first-hand observation of human societies

gatekeeperA person who controls access to a research site

informal (unstructured) interviewsAn unstructured question-and-answer session in which the informant is encouraged to follow his or her own train of thought, wherever it may lead

informantA person who provides information about his or her culture to the ethnographic fieldworker

interviewer biasWhen an interviewer’s opinions or approach to questioning direct the discussion, steering the conversation away from what the interviewee wants to talk about

participant observationWhen a researcher takes part in the everyday life of the group while observing it

reflexivityThe process of reflection on the research process

social media ethnographyEthnography that engages with internet practices and content directly, but not exclusively

Conduct a mini-fieldwork project on places of worship within your own religious or other community. Religion often guides human behaviour and regulates interactions between human beings and their environment. Because religion is a complex mix of behaviours, material items, beliefs and people, places of worship can be ideal settings for the study of the total integration of culture, settings in which you can bring your own knowledge and background into your observations.

In order to gain an idea of regular practices at the place of worship you have chosen, you should attend for at least three services and also conduct an interview with a religious leader. It is essential to ask consent of this leader before attending services and clearly explain your role as a student observer rather than as a potential member.

Record the following information:

1 The physical layout and material culture of the service:If allowed, take photos of the place of worship and any rituals observed.

2 The human dimension of the service:What is the ethnicity of the people attending?Are there more male or more female participants? Are they young/old?Are there any majority or minority groups?Are people clustered in groups by age or sex?

3 The service itself:What kind of music is used, if any?Who is leading the ceremony?What is the time of day?What is the style of audience participation?

1 The following are some questions to ask the leader of the place of worship:What are his/her reasons for becoming a minister/imam/priest?What is her/his education and training for this position?What is her/his experience of being the leader of the particular place of worship?

Using your field data, write a descriptive narrative essay on both the place of worship and the community of which it was a part. Include some ideas of your methodology. How did you get the information you needed? How did you start making connections with people? How did you portray your research to them? Did you use questionnaires, open interviews, etc.? What sorts of questions did you ask?

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