a method of data collection initiated by those who do qualitative research; a widely used method by cultural anthropologists, sociologists and others, which involves working on location, in the fielda place where on location research is conducted; also known as fieldwork, or participant observation on various sites, as a participant observer – actually participating in community activities, learning the languagea system of symbols that allow people to communicate with each other, also the MOST symbolic way that culture is passed down, and observing village or community life over long periods of time – such researchers often select special people in the community where they are researching to be their cultural informant or key consultanta person or group of persons that help a researcher interpret cultural behaviors of an ethnic group or a particular culture being studied More
