Ethnographic data collection

How do you undertake an anthropological research project? After you have completed subjects in theory, method and project design, you have a project description that lays the foundation for where and how you will carry out your master's project. Most master’s projects involve ethnographic fieldwork, but it is also possible to conduct other forms of data collection by devising projects based on museum collections, archives, or libraries.

Data collection should be of a minimum 5 months duration. You are free to choose both its theme and site according to your own particular interests. By applying practical and concrete methodologies, such as participant observation, informal conversations, and interviews, or archive, collection, or library studies, you will be challenged to collect empirical data on an independent basis that will form the foundation of your master’s thesis.

On completing this course, you should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills, and general competence.

Knowledge

• You will have knowledge regarding other life-worlds and the conditions that shape these.
• You will have knowledge regarding ethnographic and other qualitative research methodologies.
• You will have experience-based knowledge and understanding of the social anthropological research process.

Skills

• You are able to use different ethnographic research methods and establish your own data material.
• You are able to change perspectives and ask new questions in light of new knowledge.
• You can manage and execute your own research project.
• You can make running scientific and ethical assessments throughout the research process.

General competence

• You can gather data material in and on complex social situations.
• You can adopt and immerse yourself in other people’s perspectives, and regard your own perspective from outside.
• You can concretely and practically relate to principles of academic integrity and responsibility.

The data collection period starts in mid-January and will last a minimum of five months. The work is carried out in or outside Norway. The subject requires independent work under individual supervision. During the data collection period you must submit a total of three reports which the supervisor must comment on in writing and provide feedback within two weeks. Each report must contain approximately 1,500 words and must deal with the process and preliminary findings, as well as reflections on professional and practical challenges related to the data collection. All the reports must be submitted and approved by 15 August to be able to take the exam in the subject.