Researching educational transition using ethnography

In: SAGE Research Methods. Cases. Part 2

Abstract

This account describes my research experiences as a doctoral student in education, seeking to understand what transition to Higher Education was like for undergraduate students. I was supported throughout the process by my colleague and supervisor Dr Jane Tobbell. I conducted ethnographic research and the case study provides an account of the methods used in both data collection and analysis. It also considers the challenges of subjectivity, especially in relation to educational research. The pros and cons of researching in your own community are discussed.