Using participant observation to immerse oneself in the field

Abstract

In this paper I draw on the findings of an ethnographic study of fertility nursing in a British fertility unit to explore the relevance and importance of ethnography for illuminating the role of emotions in nursing practice. One of the main findings to emerge from the original study was that infertility was an emotional experience for both staff and patients, and that the organisation of the unit ensured that the potentially disruptive emotions of staff and patients were controlled and remained private. These findings have been reported elsewhere (Allan, 2001, 2002). Drawing on these findings, I discuss the role of ethnography in illuminating the role of emotions in the clinic in two ways. First, I will discuss the nature of the data in ethnography and the relationship between participant observation and interviews. Second, I will discuss the experience of researcher reflexivity and ethnographic authority in ethnography.