DeWalt, Kathleen M. : University of Pittsburgh
Kathleen M. DeWalt is Professor of Anthropology and Public Health and New Director of the Center for Latin American
Studies at the University of Pittsburgh; Billie R. DeWalt is Professor of Anthropology and Director of the Carnegie
Museum of Natural History at the University of Pittsburgh.
Participant Observation is a central and defining method of research in cultural anthropology, as well as a
common feature of qualitative research in a number of other disciplines--sociology, education, health sciences.
The authors have written the basic guide to the collection of systematic data in naturalistic settings--communities
in many different cultures--to achieve an understanding of the most fundamental processes and patterns of social
life. This book is written for the beginning researcher in qualitative and ethnographic methods, and is a useful
reference for the experienced researcher who wishes to develop further field skills. Kathleen and Billie DeWalt
provide a summary of the theoretical and historical background of the method, but focus especially on practical
applications and acquisition of the techniques of participant observation. Chapters include explanations of becoming
a participant (involvement) and an observer (detachment) in fieldwork; sampling techniques; gender and sex issues
in the field; designing research; language facility and cross-cultural communication skills; informal interviewing;
writing descriptive field notes; analyzing field notes; and dealing with culture shock, dangerous field situations
and ethical concerns. The advantages of participant observation exist in enhancing the quality of research data
and continual reassessment of research questions. Participant observation is the foundation of ethnographic research
design, and supports and complements other types of qualitative and quantitative data collection. This book will
be a valuable reference for anthropologists, sociologists, and other researchers who employ qualitative methods
in their research.
Chapter 1: What is Participant Observation?
Chapter 2: Learning to be a Participant Observer: Theoretical Issues
Chapter 3: Doing Participant Observation: Becoming a Participant
Chapter 4: Doing Participant Observation: Becoming an Observer
Chapter 5: Gender and Sex Issues in Participant Observation
Chapter 6: Designing Research with Participant Observation
Chapter 7: Informal Interviewing in Participant Observation
Chapter 8: Writing Field Notes
Chapter 9: Analyzing Field Notes
Chapter 10: Ethnical Concerns in Participant Observation
Appendix 1: Sample Field Notes
Appendix 2: University of Pittsburgh Guidelines on Data Retention and Access
Appendix 3: Codes from the Outline of Cultural Materials (OCM)
Appendix 4: Ethics Statements of the American Anthropological Association and the American Sociological Association
Bibliography
Index
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