Strengths

Ethnographic research provides an opportunity for preconceived notions and misunderstanding about a culture to be positively comprehended and clarified. Through ethnographic research members of a community gains better understanding and insight into their own culture, record their way of life, and preserve their heritage for the future generations. The following characteristics of ethnographic research magnifies the strengths of this strategy:

• Through direct observation, the researcher is able to collect data that is experienced and observed first hand. By being directly involved, the researcher can assure the validity of data collected.
• Throughout the research, the collected data can be linked to theory, giving an opportunity for the researcher to alter theories as the data dictates.
• Due to the nature of the research and length of time spent with participants, the collected data is detailed. This also provides an opportunity for the researcher to collect data through multiple facets of the group/culture and gather a holistic data.
• Due to the quality of this research strategy, being multiple perspective towards a same research topic, the researcher can compare and contrast individual accounts and experiences.
• By being a member of a group, the researcher gains a self-awareness of themselves and his/her feelings
• as a member of group being studied.

information collected on this section is from sources listed in reference page