What is a characteristic of ethnographic studies?

Ethnographic studies are characterized by a detailed analysis of subjective experiences, as they aim to understand social practices and the meanings individuals attribute to their lives in a particular cultural context. Ethnographers immerse themselves in the community being studied, often employing participant observation and in-depth interviews to gather rich, qualitative data. This approach allows researchers to capture the nuances of human behavior and social interactions from the perspectives of the participants themselves, providing insights that might not be accessible through other research methods.

The emphasis on qualitative rather than quantitative data is fundamental to ethnography, as it seeks to explore the complexities of human experience in a situational context, rather than relying on statistical analysis. While modern technology may play a role in some ethnographic research, it is not a defining characteristic of the method. Similarly, surveys and structured interviews, while useful in certain contexts, do not encapsulate the immersive, holistic approach typical of ethnographic studies.