Ethnography key concepts

All encompassing view based on the knowledge of the nature, functions, and properties of the components, their interactions, and their relationship to the whole.

When conducting qualitative research, the investigator seeks to gain a total or complete picture. A holistic description of events, procedures, and philosophies occurring in natural settings is often needed to make accurate situational decisions. This differs from quantitative research in which selected, pre-defined variables are studied.

Holism is the idea that natural systems (physical, biological, chemical, social, economic, mental, linguistic, etc.) and their properties should be viewed as wholes, not as collections of parts.

the whole phenomenon under study is understood as a complex system that is more than the sum of its parts; focus on complex interdependencies and system dynamics that cannot meaningfully be reduced to a few discrete variables and linear, cause-effect relationships.

A holistic approach of inquiry involving the use of multiple methods and sources of data collection was used for examining the meanings, trade-offs and social consequences of the evaluation of teaching in the context of a research university, particularly to how the evaluation addressed diversity and equity concerns. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection, including participant observation, in-depth and focus group interviews, document analysis, and survey research.

Holistic perspective is when you combine cultural anthropology, physical anthropology, linguistics, and archaeology to study all about a person; to use a holistic approach would mean that any research question would not solely rely on just evidence from one of the subfields above, but some combination of 2 or more of the subfields to provide a better understanding of the question in focus.

a fundamental principle of anthropology that the various parts of huan culture and biology must be viewed in the broadest possible context in order to understand their interconnections and interdependence.

The Holistic Perspective
Why Wholeness and Perspective are So Important

Many of the problems we encounter in life are the result of simple misunderstandings. Because misunderstandings often occur as a result of differences in perspective, if only we were more aware of the effects of perspective many of our problems could be easily solved, if not avoided entirely!

In dealing with the physical world most of us recognize the importance of perspective. We even understand the importance of a (w)holistic perspective. None of us would buy a used car without inspecting the whole car--at least as much as is reasonably accessible. Typically, that would include such things as an inspection of the tires and body work, the engine compartment and the odometer, and a check for leaks. We are willing to make this effort because we recognize the value of physical wholeness--of having a whole vehicle, one with an engine and transmission and tires, etc. We know our effort will minimize error and deception, and help keep costs down over the long run. Unfortunately, when ideas are the subject of our inspection we often forget to employ this simple pattern.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to recognize that mental realities, like physical realities, are more completely and accurately understood when viewed from multiple perspectives. The conclusions we draw from our observations and experiences with ideas, and the resulting beliefs that we form, depend on where we are positioned in relation to the subject of our investigation. Once we recognize this it becomes apparent that our perception of life is largely a function of our perspective. By shifting our perspective so that we acquire additional perspectives we can often bring opportunities and problems (and their solutions) into clearer focus and accelerate learning.

Differences in perspective are normally difficult to overcome. First, there's the problem of determining the perspective that has produced a person's ideas and beliefs. Second, in most cases we must experience a perspective before we can correctly understand--and intelligently discuss--it. Fortunately, we have a perspective we share: the holistic perspective. And while it too is subject to confusion (due to its greater complexity), at a minimum it gives us an additional perspective to work with. Unfortunately, as a society we have yet to appreciate the valuable contribution the holistic perspective makes to understanding and give it the respect it warrants.

Holistic perspective means the whole phenomenon under study is understood as a complex system that is more than the sum of its parts; focus on complex interdependencies and system dynamics that cannot meaningfully be reduced to a few discrete variables and linear, cause effect relationships.