ERIC Number: ED218282
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1981-Dec
Pages: 18
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Two Models for Ethnographic Evaluation
Guyette, Susan; Churchman, David
An ethnographic evaluation adapts data collection and analytical methods of the ethnographer to the purpose of decision-making. Ethnography and evaluation differ in determination of problems addressed by the researcher. Ethnographers are interested in slow cultural change, while evaluators address policy questions requiring immediate answers. The micro-ethnographic evaluation limits the scope of the study to the school, viewed as a subculture. The resultant data is limited to the perception of a small number of participants. The macro-ethnographic evaluation considers school interaction as interrelated with other cultural subsystems. The process of enculturation occurs as part of the curriculum. The advantages and disadvantages of micro-and macro-ethnographic evaluations are outlined. The ethnographic approach to evaluation reduces the cultural bias of evaluators, thus making it appropriate in explaining programs for minorities. Another advantage of this approach is eliminating the necessity for a control group. It does not require statistical methods, thus making evaluation reports more easily understandable. The cultural suitability of the educational program is assessed through a macro-ethnographic evaluation. Ethnographic evaluations are appropriate when a comprehensive understanding of the program and its relationship to society is the major factor in judging program quality. (DWH)
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A