In the readings for this week, I found myself drawn to the writing and research style of Michael Agar. Though he recognizes the need for theory and structure, he does not delude himself about the reality of ethnography. I trust him given his disparate experiences (from India to the streets of New York). His treatment of "academic purity" was interesting. I agree that the investigator sometimes needs to be shown wrong or faulty in his/her thinking. The diversity of informal interviews also intrigued. However, I still would like some more guidance on field notes. When is the best time to take them? During the experience? Right after? Whenever possible? Also, can we incorporate both "experience near" and "experience distant" observations, no? In addition to watching people during participant observation, we can also ask them questions, too, I would conjecture.
His writings are influencing me to study the non-profit clinic because I would be able to participate unobtrusively while also gathering my initial set of information. After a few weeks, I would be able to pick out who to ask what questions.
I hope that was not too discombobulated.
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