From Observation to Understanding: Ethnography's Role in Baseline Studies [impactChronicles ?? #8]

Author: Mehak Preet Kaur Nagi Dr Gurmeet Kaur

Baseline studies are crucial before implementing policy-based actions and/or interventions in a society. They assist in providing detailed information, enabling policymakers to prioritise areas of greater significance. The insights assist changemakers in strategizing their efforts in a way that may have a more significant effect on the individuals for whom the policies are being formulated. In the field of impact assessment for corporate social responsibilities (CSRs) in India, there has been a predominant emphasis on qualitative techniques such as focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. While these methods yield valuable data quickly, assessing long-term and sustained impact necessitates exploring alternative approaches. In this article, I propose ethnography as an effective alternative method. One of the primary reasons I advocate for this approach is that baseline studies serve as the foundation for future interventions, enabling comparisons and analysis of changes and developments within society resulting from the implementation of a project, policy or any action.

Ethnography is a qualitative research approach used to examine the structure and dynamics of societies (Harrison, 2014). It is a research methodology used in disciplines like anthropology, sociology, psychology, and others to get a comprehensive understanding of a person or a culture as a whole. Schensul and LeCompte (2012) highlight that the research methodologies encompass ethnographic methods, such as observation techniques, mostly participant observation, and interviews. The ethnographer is not a passive observer, but he lives within the community to understand the customs and beliefs that help them gain sensitive information. Information regarding the perspectives and life experiences of the individuals is gathered using the technique. Ethnographers often get sensitive information by establishing deep ties with respondents and observing people's lives, beliefs, and customs; they are thus able to gather rich and nuanced data.?

Ethnography is an invaluable technique for conducting baseline studies because of its ability to provide comprehensive knowledge of the social and cultural environment for a project or intervention. It assists in examining the intricate connection that individuals have with others or with their surroundings. Ethnographies have the potential to shed light on details that may be overlooked by quantitative data (Walsh, 1998). Ethnographers establish connections and forge relationships with individuals before collecting data, facilitating the acquisition of open and honest data. Especially in baseline assessments, it is crucial to have a clear grasp of the actual situation to get benefits and make progress from the policies that will be implemented in the future. These studies serve to emphasise the unforeseen risks that are often the basis for societal resistance to new policies or interventions. Therefore, the acquired knowledge aids in making more informed decisions and mitigating any potential adverse effects on individuals resulting from the change.

Ethnographic research follows a similar process to conventional research, yet it provides access to insights that other methods may not offer. Ethnographic studies offer a unique way to understand human behaviour, culture, and social contexts, allowing for the exploration of deep human experiences often missed by traditional methods. I suggest researchers consider ethnography as a viable alternative for baseline investigations, ensuring high-quality data through its focus on human interactions and behaviours.

References:

Harrison, A. K. (2014). Ethnography. The Oxford handbook of qualitative research, 223-253.

Schensul, J. J., & LeCompte, M. D. (2012). Essential ethnographic methods: A mixed methods approach (Vol. 3). Rowman Altamira.

Walsh, D. (1998). Doing ethnography (Vol. 2012, pp. 245-262). London: Sage.