Ethnographic research in outdoor studies

This chapter explores the ethnographic process using the example of a doctoral research study which examined group interactions of primary school children, their teachers and outdoor facilitators in the outdoors. Firstly the chapter discusses the theoretical framework of ethnography, examining its epistemology and ontology. It then explains what ethnography is, by defining the concept using different perspectives, and provides a rationale for the use of ethnography in outdoor education. A detailed explanation and justification of the fieldwork is also provided. The chapter concludes with an account of the data analysis process and by highlighting the complexity of ethnography