Towards a digital architecture of reflexive ethnographic data

Abstract

Why and how should we auto-archive reflexive ethnographic data? Ethnography is based on a graphic method of written and visual notations, traditionally using notebooks. Reflexive ethnographers have been trained to separate their notebooks in two parts: the concise fieldwork log recording dates, places and events, and the research log putting down emotions and theoretical considerations. In addition, they collect varied documents coming from the field. The whole set makes the scientific value of ethnographic analyses, along with peer value process. My team develops a digital data base where “cases” within “settings” are defined by research objects and questions, and where documents are classified in three levels of confidentiality according to personal data protection and copyrights.