Malinowski’s article is based upon ethnographic accounts describing the exchanges and trade routes of the South Sea Islands coastal
populations. The various tribes established the trading system Kula which involved sailors, industrious manufacturing, centers for localized skill, and keen traders (Malinowski 19). In this volume Malinowski considers the aforementioned “phenomenon” as theoretical importance.
Malinowski’s article not only takes into the Kula, he examines the ethnographic framework for studying “other” cultures by describing his methods
for collecting date.
Malinowski analyzes how ethnographic research (field work in ethnography) has been noted as formulating generalizations, evaluating the role
of the ethnographer and participation observation. He believed that the erroneous manner in which researchers arrive at their conclusions fails to
account for actual experiences. He believed that we should employ scientific methodologies when gathering qualitative data. Malinowski believed that the “ethnographer has to be inspired by the most modern results of scientific study” (206). He claims that in ethnography our written data and accounts should be “candid”for in the past we have not elaborated; thus; not providing sufficient evidence to the final analysis. When considering the ethnographer’s roles, Malinowski believed that “at a glance the reader could estimate with precision the degree of the writer’s personal acquaintance with the facts which he describes, and form an idea under what conditions information had been obtained from the natives” (203). He discusses credibility of the ethnographer and asserts, "an ethnographer who who wishes to be trusted, must show clearly and concisely, in a tabularised form, which are his own direct observations, and which the indirect information that from the bases for his account" (Malinowski 211).
Malinowski also believed that we should be able to replicate what was observed. He noted that when observing individuals we should research
the whole as opposed to the single subject. He also believed that the ethnographer should take part in the culture being studied.
Malinowski outlines the manner in which to conduct "good" ethnographic research. This includes, constantly writing. One ought not participate in daily activities and then attempt to write the ideas at a later time. Thus, the role of the ethnographer is to be thier own "chronicler and historian at the same time. while his sources are no doubt easilty accessible"-they are elusive and complex, are not embodied in fixed, material documents, but in the living and baheavior of living men" (Malinowski 203). Malinowski recognizes the issues with language barriers.
-The first ideal of ethnographic field-work is to give a "clear and firm outline of the social construction, and disentangle the laws and regularities of all cultural phenomena from the irrelevance" (208).
-Culture as means for experimental science.
-The field ethnographer has seriously and soberly to cover th efull extent of the phenomena in each aspect of tribal culture (208).
Provide autonomy to the culture being studied
-Malinowski views ethnographic research as scientific believing "the pbject of scientific training is to provide the empirical investigator with a mental chart, in accordance with which he can take his bearings and lay his course (209).
-Data Collection should be over a wide range of facts.
populations. The various tribes established the trading system Kula which involved sailors, industrious manufacturing, centers for localized skill, and keen traders (Malinowski 19). In this volume Malinowski considers the aforementioned “phenomenon” as theoretical importance.
Malinowski’s article not only takes into the Kula, he examines the ethnographic framework for studying “other” cultures by describing his methods
for collecting date.
Malinowski analyzes how ethnographic research (field work in ethnography) has been noted as formulating generalizations, evaluating the role
of the ethnographer and participation observation. He believed that the erroneous manner in which researchers arrive at their conclusions fails to
account for actual experiences. He believed that we should employ scientific methodologies when gathering qualitative data. Malinowski believed that the “ethnographer has to be inspired by the most modern results of scientific study” (206). He claims that in ethnography our written data and accounts should be “candid”for in the past we have not elaborated; thus; not providing sufficient evidence to the final analysis. When considering the ethnographer’s roles, Malinowski believed that “at a glance the reader could estimate with precision the degree of the writer’s personal acquaintance with the facts which he describes, and form an idea under what conditions information had been obtained from the natives” (203). He discusses credibility of the ethnographer and asserts, "an ethnographer who who wishes to be trusted, must show clearly and concisely, in a tabularised form, which are his own direct observations, and which the indirect information that from the bases for his account" (Malinowski 211).
Malinowski also believed that we should be able to replicate what was observed. He noted that when observing individuals we should research
the whole as opposed to the single subject. He also believed that the ethnographer should take part in the culture being studied.
Malinowski outlines the manner in which to conduct "good" ethnographic research. This includes, constantly writing. One ought not participate in daily activities and then attempt to write the ideas at a later time. Thus, the role of the ethnographer is to be thier own "chronicler and historian at the same time. while his sources are no doubt easilty accessible"-they are elusive and complex, are not embodied in fixed, material documents, but in the living and baheavior of living men" (Malinowski 203). Malinowski recognizes the issues with language barriers.
-The first ideal of ethnographic field-work is to give a "clear and firm outline of the social construction, and disentangle the laws and regularities of all cultural phenomena from the irrelevance" (208).
-Culture as means for experimental science.
-The field ethnographer has seriously and soberly to cover th efull extent of the phenomena in each aspect of tribal culture (208).
Provide autonomy to the culture being studied
-Malinowski views ethnographic research as scientific believing "the pbject of scientific training is to provide the empirical investigator with a mental chart, in accordance with which he can take his bearings and lay his course (209).
-Data Collection should be over a wide range of facts.