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Ethnography for Beginners

3 hours learning
Short Course
Beginner
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Section outline

  • Course Overview

    This introductory course provides a foundational understanding of ethnography as a research method. Students will explore key principles, various approaches, and ethical considerations, while learning how to design ethnographic studies. By the end, they will be equipped to assess when ethnography is appropriate, navigate potential challenges, and begin their own ethnographic research with confidence. 

    Learning Outcomes

    This course will help you to:

    1. Analyze and critically evaluate ethnography as a research method, including its variations, applications, and limitations
    2. Develop the skills to design and conduct ethnographic research, selecting appropriate approaches, locations, and populations
    3. Navigate the ethical dimensions of ethnographic research, addressing risks, bias, and harm to ensure responsible practice 

    • Course Instructor: Dr. Shatonda S. Jones

      • Dr. Shatonda S. Jones

        Dr. Shatonda S. Jones is an Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Education in the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Program at St. Bonaventure University. Dr. Jones has 20 years of experience as a Speech Language Pathologist and over 15 years of teaching experience in higher education at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Dr. Jones specializes in adult and geriatric communication and swallowing disorders with a particular interest in motor speech disorders. Her research focuses on health capacity building in socially marginalized communities, diffusion of health information, cultural and linguistic diversity, and innovative educational methods. She is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer (CBIST). She holds a PhD in Therapeutic Science from the University of Kansas, a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Iowa, and a Bachelor’s from the University of Tulsa. Dr. Jones is dedicated to integrating clinical practice, scholarship, and advocacy in her work.

        View Bio for Dr. Shatonda S. Jones

      • Pre-Course Self Assessment

        Before you dive into this course, spend a few moments reflecting on your familiarity with the topic and your current level of skills confidence. 

        You will then re-visit the same questions in our Post-Course Self Assessment and reflect on how the course has helped you develop in confidence and grow your skills. 

        • Module One: The What and Why of Ethnography

          This module will help you to:

          1. Discuss contemporary ethnography as a research method 
          2. Recognize the different types of ethnographic research 
          3. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of ethnography 

        • Module Two: Is Ethnography Right for my Research?

          This module will help you to:

          1. Identify when to use ethnography as a research method  
          2. Decide if ethnography is the right method for your research  
          3. Recognize the different steps of ethnographic research  

        • Module Three: Approaches to Ethnography

          This module will help you to:

          1. Recognize the various approaches to ethnography 
          2. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of each approach 
          3. Choose a suitable approach to your ethnographic research 

        • Module Four: Getting the Planning Right

          This module will help you to:

          1. Identify a location(s) for your research 
          2. Develop a process by which to gain access to the location and/or population of interest for your research 
          3. Identify your role in the research 

        • Module Five: Planning Ethical Ethnographic Research

          This module will help you to:

          1. Describe ethical considerations before, during, and after conducting research 
          2. Identify potential risks associated with ethnography 
          3. Recognize how to reduce the risk of bias and harm in ethnography 

        • References and Glossary of Key Terms

          In addition to the glossary you’ll find woven throughout the course, you can find the full glossary collated in one place here.

        • Post-Course Self Assessment

          Now you’ve completed the course, spend a few moments reflecting on where your familiarity with the topics and your confidence skills levels are at now. 

          Has the course helped you develop new skills and grow your confidence?

          You'll need to complete the Post-Course Self Assessment in order to download your certificate. If you didn't do the Pre-Course Self Assessment before starting the course, please go to the top of the page and reflect on your familiarity with the topic and your level of skills confidence before you started the course.

          • Completion: Certificate

            Completing all modules (plus the pre and post-course assessments) will unlock the course certificate, which you can then download here. Your course certificate will only be made available once you have completed all these sections.

            If you have difficulty accessing your certificate, please contact the Sage support team at: onlinesupport@sagepub.co.uk. You can also check out this FAQ page which may be helpful.

            • Give Feedback About This Course

              Did you enjoy the course? Please take two minutes to share your feedback. We use learner feedback in future course updates and developments to provide an excellent learning experience.

            • Accessibility

              We have high standards of accessibility on Sage Campus and as of May/June 2024 all activities within this course are keyboard and screen reader compatible. For more details on accessibility standards, please see the Sage Campus Accessibility Guide.

              For those using assistive technology, please note that within this course:

              • Tab components: JAWS and NVDA behave slightly differently. For NVDA to keep reading, it is best to exit focus mode and go back to browse mode. 
              • Matching: JAWS does not read out question label on dropdown focus. 
              Original Publication date: 03-2025
              Last Updated: 06-2026