www.vanderbilt.edu/writing Revised 06/2012
Tips for Writing Thick Descriptions
for Ethnographies and Case Studies
Ethnographies and case studies are often components of assignments in the disciplines of anthropology,
sociology, religious studies, and human and organizational development, among others. They pose unique
challenges, because they involve a combination of fieldwork (observation, interview, survey) and critical
analysis through the application of core disciplinary or course concepts. Sometimes, writing ethnographies
requires us to have a research question or hypothesis before doing research. Other times, we might develop a
hypothesis out of the research we have done. Balancing these different modes of investigation and writing can
be tricky.
When conducting the observation or interview portion of your research, try to close read the situation by
carefully parsing out details as you might do with a text. Your thick description of behaviors in their context
should try to paint a clear picture of the event, situation, environment, or culture in question. If possible, bring
a notepad and/or tape recorder in order to capture small details. If you cannot take notes while observing, be
sure to write your thoughts down as soon after the experience as possible. It is also extremely important to be
self-reflective; notice how your presence might alter the environment, as well as how your own assumptions
and reactions to the situation might affect what you notice and how you write about it.
Remember, too, that part of fulfilling assignments like these involves proving that you have spent adequate
time observing and that you are a skillful observer.
Consider questions like the following:
+ What is the layout of the space or room?
+ What are the specific objects or physical elements in the space?
+ Who are the people involved?
+ What clues signify people’s statuses and roles?
+ What are the people you are observing doing in general or attempting to accomplish?
+ What explicit structures, rules, or norms govern the situation?
+ What are people wearing?
+ What is their affect like?
+ How do people interact with one another?
+ What are individuals’ specific behaviors, both verbal and non-verbal?
When composing your thick description of events, try to show rather than tell by using evocative language.
Put another way, select words that help the reader see what is being described. Try to be as specific as possible
by avoiding general or abstract words. Instead, use anecdotes, examples, descriptions, and quotations to make
your experience concrete for the reader.