The construction of quality assessment indicators for the use of ethnographic methods and case applications
Addressing core issues and theoretical debates concerning the assessment of methodological quality in ethnographic research, this study develops a tripartite evaluation framework encompassing methodological rigor, depth of cultural interpretation, and adherence to ethical norms. This framework is operationalized as a structured system comprising three primary dimensions, ten secondary elements, and thirty specific assessment criteria. Indicator weights were established through multi-round Delphi expert consultations to achieve consensus and subsequently calculated using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The framework's applicability was assessed by applying it to an ethnographic case study exploring sports and "bodily experience"; this application demonstrated its comprehensive coverage and practical utility, while also revealing potential challenges related to inter-rater reliability and the adaptability of weight assignments to specific research contexts. This research contributes a conceptual framework and practical instrument for the systematic evaluation of methodological quality in ethnography, thereby enhancing research transparency, methodological rigor, and ethical reflexivity. Future work will focus on optimizing the framework's cross-cultural validity and assessment reliability to foster the ongoing refinement of ethnographic methodology.
Authors
- Qiong Sun (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1425-7101)
Institutions
- Beijing Union University (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Methodology Insight
- Published
- 2025-09-04
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.71290/mi01020003
- Primary Topic
- Environmental and Social Impact Assessments
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00