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.

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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
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article

The construction of quality assessment indicators for the use of ethnographic methods and case applications

Qiong Sun
Methodology Insight
Environmental and Social Impact Assessments
article

The construction of quality assessment indicators for the use of ethnographic methods and case applications

Qiong Sun
article en

Abstract

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.

Methodology InsightVol. 1(2)
Beijing Union University (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 67%
Environmental and Social Impact Assessments
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