title: [Qualitative methods in medical research--an ethnographic perspective].
abstract: In the social sciences, "method" refers not only to practical techniques of investigation but also to the underlying assumptions regarding how knowledge is generated (epistemology) and to the strategies derived for knowledge accumulation. In order to consider fruitfully the role of qualitative methods in health research, this three-dimensional understanding of method must be kept in mind. Specifically, in order to understand the contribution of ethnography to health research, the foundational epistemological and research strategic assumptions must be clarified. With examples from Norway and other Western countries and from more traditional regions of ethnographic research, the authors discuss how ethnographic research can be carried out and how ethnography might complement other qualitative methodologies as well as epidemiological research.
authors.affiliation: Seksjon for medisinsk antropologi Institutt for allmenn- og samfunnsmedisin Universitetet i Oslo Postboks 1130 Blindern 0318 Oslo. p.k.hilden@samfunnsmed.uio.no
authors.forename: Per Kristian
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Hilden
authors.forename: Anne-Lise
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Middelthon
mesh_terms: D000884:Anthropology, Cultural; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D019359:Knowledge; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards