Ethnographic Field Stations (From Collection and Interpretation of Data From Hidden Populations, P 80-95, 1990, Elizabeth Y Lambert, ed. -- See NCJ-128609)

• NCJ Number: 128615
• Author(s): P J Goldstein; B J Spunt; T Miller; P Bellucci
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 16 pages
• Sale Source: Superintendent of Documents, GPO; National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Program Description (Demonstrative)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: NIDA Research Monograph 98

Annotation

Ethnographic field stations, which are outposts established in the community of interest to researchers, provide a place for data collection and an environment in which researchers and subjects can interact. The ethnographic field station lies in the middle of the continuum of observational styles with total participant observation and separated observation at the two extreme ends of the continuum.

Abstract

Four ethnographic field stations described in this article were established through three research projects studying drug use behaviors in New York City. Field log entries are used to describe the search for a field site and actual conduct of the research, including sampling and recruitment, use of key informants, and protection against violence and theft. The ethnographic field site facilitates the collection of longitudinal data from reasonably large samples, provides stability and continuity to researcher-subject relationships, and enhances the project's legitimacy in the neighborhood. Some of the weaknesses associated with the field station include the high cost, potential for inertia, and deterioration of the quality of subjects over time. 5 references