Appeal for the Use of Ethnographic Methods

The following chapter first introduces participant observation as a method. It initially discusses the methodological origin. Then, individual research strategies and the approach in the field are described in more detail. The research process is divided into different phases and is repeatedly critically questioned. Subsequently, a transfer of the method into political science and communication studies takes place. Taking these disciplines into account, the method is then analyzed with special consideration of its feasibility and implementability, before expert interviews as a supplementary method are discussed. Finally, an ethical consideration of the method of participant observation takes place. In addition, after each subchapter, a reflection of my own research is carried out and it is described how I proceeded in the research.