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Exploring the orientation in space: mixing focused ethnography and surveys in social experiment
Erforschung der Orientierung im Raum: ein Methoden-Mix aus fokussierter Ethnographie und standardisierter Befragung im Rahmen eines sozialwissenschaftlichen Experiments
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Abstract This paper discusses how focused ethnography and surveys can be mixed within a social experiment in order to explore orientation in space as a social process (and not only as a cognitive one) and to examine the role maps have during this process. Our research design is based on a three-step interdis... view more
This paper discusses how focused ethnography and surveys can be mixed within a social experiment in order to explore orientation in space as a social process (and not only as a cognitive one) and to examine the role maps have during this process. Our research design is based on a three-step interdisciplinary methodology, mixing cartographic methods with surveys and ethnography: (1) Cartographers developed maps for several paths through a Berlin university building from the ground floor (starting point) to the roof-top (finish). (2) Between 2009 and 2013, a social experiment was set up during five social events that drew lots of visitors. Volunteers first answered a questionnaire and then participated in a race from the starting point to the finish, using a randomly assigned map and a randomly assigned route (factorial design without control group). At the finish area, respondents answered another set of survey questions and evaluated the assigned maps. (3) Along the selected routes, members of the research team conducted focused ethnography in order to observe interaction among respondents, between other people, the map and the built environment. Comparing these various data sources, we will discuss what methods are suitable to find answers to our research questions, which are among others: How does orientation work? What strategies do people use? What should maps for (indoor) navigation look like in order to satisfy user’s needs? Afterwards we will present selected results.... view less
Keywords
zone; survey; method; ethnography; orientation; data capture; methodological research; interdisciplinary research; cartography
Classification
Methods and Techniques of Data Collection and Data Analysis, Statistical Methods, Computer Methods
Research Design
Free Keywords
constitution of space; mixed-methods research (MMR); social experiment; focused ethnography; maps
Document language
English
Publication Year
2014
Page/Pages
p. 137-166
Journal
Historical Social Research, 39 (2014) 2
Issue topic
Spatial analysis
DOI
https://doi.org/10.12759/hsr.39.2014.2.137-166
ISSN
0172-6404
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed