Examples of Nursing Research
Using Ethnography
Nurses have used ethnography in many unique ways to understand cultures
related to health or the health practices of other cultures (Roper & Shapira,
2000). For example, Rosenbaum (1990) used Leininger’s theory of culture care
as a framework to uncover the cultural care needed for older Greek Canadian
widows. The sample contained 12 key informants and 30 general informants,
and the researcher collected data using participant observation and interviews.
Rosenbaum found that for these widows, health meant a state of well-being,
ability to perform activities in their role, and avoidance of pain and illness.
These findings could stimulate future nursing interventions for EBP related to
caring for widows in this culture and perhaps others.Explain the purpose of the interview clearly.
Obtain informed consent and ensure confidentiality and anonymity.
Gain entry into the culture through a gatekeeper.
Identify key informants.
Develop a rapport with the participants.
Practice and study techniques related to ethnographic interviewing.
Allow sufficient time for prolonged engagement to observe and participate in the culture.
Keep detailed field notes, records, and reflective journals.
Collect significant artifacts.
Keep in mind the grand tour question.
When interviewing, begin with open-ended questions and progress to more focused questions
over time and in repeated interviews.
Be sure all equipment is working and that you have a plan for malfunctions of tape recorders, etc.
Keep interviews conversational and friendly even when trying to elicit specific information.
Pay special attention to the language of the participants and the use of key words.
Clarify the meanings of terms using contrast questions.
Constantly compare and contrast data with each other during the collection process.
Record all interviews and transcribe them verbatim.
Be true to the data.
Modified from Spradley, J. P. (1979). The ethnographic interview. Orlando, FL: Harcourt, Brace,
Jovanovich College Publishers.BOX 9-2 Suggestions for Ethnographic Interviewing
240 CHAPTER 9 Qualitative Designs: Using Words to Provide Evidence