Anthropology is an inquiry into the conditions and possibilities of human life in the world . Ethnography aims to describe life as it is lived and experienced (Tim Ingold).

The contribution that the disciplines (ethnography and ethnology) can make to the advancement of human knowledge can be hindered or undermined when inappropriate ethical review criteria are applied to research proposals. Ethical review should be well-informed, fair and transparent while providing a comprehensive justification for the proposed research.
Any exceptions to obtaining consent must be described in detail and justified. There may be general methodological justifications and more specific, strategic reasons having to do with the safety of researchers and/or subjects (Dr Ron Iphofen AcSS).

In direct observation researcher strives to be as unobtrusive as possible so as not to bias the observations. First, a direct observer doesn’t typically try to become a participant in the context. Second, direct observation suggests a more detached perspective (Prof William M.K. Trochim).

© 2024 Eduardo González Santos