KWALON - Volume 26, Issue 3, 2021

Abstract Truth and interpretation in ethnography (part 1): Tracking clues with marginalized groups and uniformed professions This essay is the first part of a reaction to Beuving’s discussion on evidence and truth in ethnography (KWALON 74). Gigengack stresses that ethnography is inferential and involves interpretation work. Whereas social scientists may shy away from “truth,” and prefer “reality,” philosophies of truth illumin Read More

Abstract Undercover ethnography and perpetrator research in Syria Research on perpetrators of mass violence in authoritarian contexts is beset by a number of challenges, most importantly the difficulty of managing subject positionality and transparency. For my research on Syrian perpetrators I resorted to the method of undercover ethnography in order not to jeopardize myself and my interviewees, and to circum Read More

Abstract The observed researcher: opportunities and challenges for observational research among corporate investigators This contribution discusses observational research within the context of corporate investigations. Corporate investigators are themselves keen observers of human behavior, and as such, observation of these professionals results in an interesting researcher-participant dynamic. By playing with (assu Read More

Abstract Metaphor identification in order to describe what meaning patients associate with their experiences with a nurse practitioner To explore interpretations and meanings of individuals’ experiences, it is normal to conduct open in-depth interviews. Asking participants to express their meanings and beliefs through metaphors or other symbolic representations can enhance insight in their experiences. Also it will support Read More