Ethnography is a research method central to knowing the world from the standpoint of its social relations. It is a qualitative research method predicated on the diversity of culture at home (wherever that may be) and abroad. Ethnography involves hands-on, on-the-scene learning — and it is relevant wherever people are relevant. Ethnography is the primary method of social and cultural anthropology, but it is integral to the social sciences and humanities generally, and draws its methods from many quarters, including the natural sciences. For these reasons, ethnographic studies relate to many fields of study and many kinds of personal experience – including study abroad and community-based or international internships.
Participant observation, interviews, and the collection of artifacts and documents relevant to the culture being researched are important parts of ethnography.
While considering the historical, economic, political, and social aspects of the community, ethnographers strive to provide a comprehensive and multifaceted picture of the community. The aim is to produce an analysis that is grounded and contextually informed, contributing to a deeper understanding of human societies. The study of indigenous tribes and subcultures as well as the study of urban communities and online networks are examples of ethnographic studies.