Monthly Archives: January 2022

I thought that this week’s reading was very useful in choosing an ethnographic research topic. Specifically, I enjoyed reading the author’s discussion of writing and rewriting to reveal the missing pieces that must be addressed and bringing up new ideas … Continue reading →

One of the things that I appreciated and valued most about this week’s reading was the importance that was stressed on having us, as ethnographers, interrogate why and how we want to conduct our ethnographic research just as much as … Continue reading →

Aside from the methodology discussed in these two chapters, I really appreciate the inclusion of Internet and Ethnographic Research in the discussion because I do think internet is so important and crucial in modern day life. I am aware of … Continue reading →

I appreciate how Murchison’s approach to outlining research topics and design comes to terms with the exploitative nature of past ethnographic studies. She puts emphasis on obtaining the perspectives of informants, their emic perspectives, and aligns with the theoretical position … Continue reading →

The Murchinson reading showed the value of a more specific research question as incredibly general topics make it hard to generate meaningful research. A more specific research question can also help guide methodology, as being more specific can make it … Continue reading →

Despite taking a few intro anthropology classes, I sometimes still find the premise of ethnography somewhat complicated. This being said, I believe the Murchinson reading really helped to clarify some of the basic proponents of ethnography and helped delineate its … Continue reading →

The Munchinson reading for this week helped me understand the significance and value of ethnography. Specifically, in ethnography’s goal of looking at the non-obvious to establish themes around human existence. I could readily see from a historic point of view … Continue reading →

The idea that stood out most to me in chapters 1 and 2 of the Murchison reading was how to approach people and observe and interact with others while simultaneously making sure not to intrude, make anyone feel uncomfortable, or … Continue reading →

I often find it difficult to pin down a topic to explore in research. It’s not that I can’t find anything of interest to me but rather that I find that TOO much interests me. I often write down interesting … Continue reading →

When reading “A Mushroom at the End of the World”, I was happy to see it covered a topic I was interested in, the connection between capitalism and the climate crisis. One of the reasons capitalism cannot work is because … Continue reading →

After reading these chapters, I began to understand the importance of participant observation in ethnographic research. I think Murchison’s suggestion of finding a regular meeting to attend is particularly salient for research on a college campus, as many affinity/interest groups … Continue reading →

Upon reading Chapter Two in particular, I found Murchison’s discussion of internet fieldwork especially interesting in considering the possibilities of deception. How does one account for the potential of catfishing and the role it may play in their work? Perhaps … Continue reading →

One of my favorite quotes from this week’s reading is when deciding on your research topic “if you truly already know what you will find, then the research is unnecessary (26).” My research question is do more socially integrated youth … Continue reading →

I genuinely enjoyed Tsing’s writing style in this book – I tend to enjoy narrative ethnographies more so than formal observations as I believe it is more engaging and offers clearer insight into the role of an anthropologist. Tsing’s use … Continue reading →

I found Murchison chapters 2 and 3 really helpful for considering research questions and methods as we embark on our own ethnographies this semester and beyond. I especially found the research question section helpful (38), because I often wonder about … Continue reading →

In Tsing’s profoundly symbolic writing The Mushroom at the End of the World, she juxtaposes the human notion of progress with the idea of capitalism and the generally uncertain future that we face. What I found interesting in Tsings description … Continue reading →