In scientific research processes, research data refers to all information collected both analog and digital. In social and cultural anthropology, research data is mostly, though not exclusively, gathered through stationary fieldworkEthnographic field research refers to the collection of empirical data on-site, meaning within concrete social settings, as opposed to laboratory research, archival research or standardized survey studies. The typically long-term participation of ethnographers in the daily life of the group under study allows for direct observation of social practices and processes, allowing for insights into actual behavior. It is important to note that researchers are always part of the situations in the field, and their assigned and assumed social positions significantly influence their data – that is, what they are able to observe and understand. Read More and is methodologically characterized by participant observation. This means that data is purposefully generated through social interactions, observation, and interviews, and does not exist independently of the personal and affective interactions between researchers and participants. Therefore, in ethnographic fieldwork, one cannot speak of collecting pre-existing raw data; rather, data is processually created during research and must be understood as constructed.

This distinguishes ethnographic research data from other sources and materials, such as newspaper reports, statistics, or historical documents, which exist independently of the ethnographer’s intervention and can be consulted and compiled for information purposes only.