Preliminary - presents possible conceptual frameworks to study problem

Use 10-20 of the most recent references for each construct (descriptor or descriptor combination)

Limit the number of years (less than 10 yrs.) and number of databases (1-3)

1. Cites broad areas with representative scholars or landmark studies related to problem statement. Cite to make explicit the framework and theoretical framework the researcher will use to focus the observation, interviewing, or artifact/document analysis

2. Illustrates why certain concepts may become relevant in data collection and analysis.

3. May examine the past to present an understanding of current debates.

4. Should justify the need for an in-depth descriptive study using an ethnographic approach.

Justifications include:

1. Prior research used quantitative measures and did not examine factors in descriptive depth

2. Some areas within systematic study of a concept have not yet been examined

3. Some events have not been studied systematically at all

4. Has not been examined from a specific perspective

5. To trace a principle as it applies to new areas

Continuous Literature Review to understand the context of the site and social scenes observed:

1. Helps reveal many perspectives on how to observe an event.

2. Helps to understand subtle meanings.

3. Provides understandings of the historical context (customs, politics, education, recreation, economics, religion, daily activities, social class structure)

The scope in analytical qualitative research differs from ethnographic studies:

• narrow scope
• 10 or more years
• use all relevant databases