Ethnography

Methodology is a set of procedures used in anthropology to create order to the things the study. Its a formal classification. Methodology is categorized into two sub fields: qualitative and quantitative. Quantitative are the things that can be counted and represented as data. Qualitative methods focus on the qualities and characteristics of an object or event that cannot be counted or represented as numerical data.  Methodology is important in the general social science fields. Empiricism can play an important part in the foundation for anthropological methodology. It means that the "stuff" anthropologists talk about are observed through sight, conversations, etc. There is a further discussion of philosophy in anthropology which is that of realism vs. idealism. Realism is used here, because it refers to those things which are observed in reality, those things that we can find in observation and interactions. The fact that anthropologist base their ideas on those things that are seen and that are "real". But as the empirical, quantitative methodology happens, qualitative measures are incorporated and used in Ethnography. 

Ethnography is qualitative research methodology to study cultures. Some ethnographic methods used are interviews, conversations, surveys, observations and participation. Ethnographers study abroad to study cultures and participate in the culture as well as observe to get a good understanding of what key aspects of the culture are and to gather information. They may observe a ritual or celebration, interview people, survey them on different aspects of their lives. Ethnographers uses empirical data, but rely heavily upon the qualitative experience to learn about culture. They throw or immerse themselves into the culture to understand key aspects. Ethnography is not only used to learn about others cultures, but to see the relation between your culture and the culture you are studying. To see the differences and similarities, it helps to bring a holistic view and create a open mind.

The findings of ethnographers are usually recorded in the form of writings or a representation of a culture.  Writings can be a tricky subject when recording ethnographic research, because writings can often take on a certain bias, of one's own culture over the culture one might be researching. Dialogue and quotes become important in conveying the culture in the writing without the writers bias and personal ideas.