Final answer:
Ethnography involves researchers immersing themselves in a community to observe and take notes on social interactions and cultural norms. The key tenets are learning how to observe, diligent note-taking, and active participation in the community's daily life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Three Main Tenets of Ethnography
The three main tenets of ethnography include: 1) Learning how to be an observer and making observations, 2) Note taking, and 3) Engagement/participation in the context being studied.
As a method, ethnography requires researchers to immerse themselves in their study environment to gain a deep understanding of the activities, behaviors, and the cultural significance behind them. This immersion can see researchers adopting roles within communities—like working as a local or living similarly to the subjects—to better understand their perspectives and daily lives. Note taking is essential as it captures observations, reflections, and nuances of the social setting being studied, forming the basis of further analysis.
Engagement or participation is a critical aspect of ethnographic research, where researchers actively become part of the activities and social interactions within the culture they are studying. This participation enables the capturing of insights about how individuals view their social standing and identity within the community, providing a comprehensive understanding of the social group's dynamics and values.