Jamie Mardis
Ethnography:
Ethnography is a qualitative research approach rooted in cultural anthropology,
involving immersive participation and observation within a specific social group or community.
Ethnographers spend significant time in the field, engaging with participants and documenting
their daily lives, behaviors, and traditions. This approach emphasizes understanding cultural
phenomena within their natural context, capturing the social dynamics and cultural nuances of
the studied group (Creswell & Poth, 2018).
Case Study:
Case study research focuses on in-depth exploration of a single case or multiple
cases to gain a holistic understanding of specific phenomena. Researchers collect data from
various sources, such as interviews, documents, and observations, providing detailed descriptions
and analyses. Case studies are valuable for investigating complex real-life situations, often used
in psychology, sociology, and education research (Creswell & Poth, 2018).
Grounded Theory:
Grounded Theory is an inductive research approach developed by Glaser
and Strauss, emphasizing the systematic generation of theories from qualitative data. Researchers
collect and analyze data without preconceived theories, allowing patterns and concepts to
emerge. Constant comparison, theoretical sampling, and memo writing are integral to developing
grounded theories, providing new insights into social phenomena (Glaser & Strauss, 1967;
Glaser, 1978).
Phenomenology:
Phenomenology explores human experiences and perceptions, aiming to
uncover the underlying essence of phenomena. Researchers employing this approach focus on
in-depth interviews, where participants describe their lived experiences. The researcher brackets
personal biases and interpretations to understand the phenomenon from participants'
