What does Thick Description mean in qualitative research?

Thick description is a term used to characterize the process of paying attention to contextual detail in observing and interpreting social meaning when conducting qualitative research.

What is an example of thick description?

Geertz borrowed the phrase ‘thick description’ from the philosopher Ryle (1949), who used it to contrast two different ways of describing the same piece of behavior. Ryle’s example was a boy’s twitch and his wink. Both could be described as ‘rapidly contracting his right eyelids.

Why is thick description important in qualitative research?

‘Thick description’ allows the reader to ‘see’ the lives of respondents because of the way the text is written. Bloom’s taxonomy is another way of describing thickly in qualitative writing. Provide information which gives the reader knowledge, and then explain so that the reader can comprehend.

What is thick data in qualitative research?

At its core, thick data is qualitative data (like observations, feelings, reactions) that provides insights into consumers’ everyday emotional lives. Most often collected through ethnographic research methods, it can also be captured during remote usability testing when the mic and camera are turned on.

What do we mean by thick description?

In the social sciences and related fields, a thick description is a description of human social action that describes not just physical behaviors, but their context as interpreted by the actors as well, so that it can be better understood by an outsider.

What are the four key elements of thick description?

According to Denzin (1989), thick description has four characteristics: (1) It gives the context of an act; (2) it states the intentions and meanings that organize the action; (3) it traces the evolution and development of the act; (4) it presents the action as a text that can then be interpreted (p. 33). (p. 83).

How do you start a thick description?

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.

Is thick description qualitative or quantitative?

Thick description is a social sciences qualitative research technique that gives detailed descriptions and interpretations of situations observed by a researcher. It is a ethnographic and qualitative research technique.

Is thick description A methodology?

Geertz (1973) describes thick description as an ethnographic method in which researchers write as they immerse themselves within the context of a certain culture, noting specific, detailed references about social actions and behaviors of participants.

What is an example of a qualitative description?




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What is thick description in psychology?

in qualitative research, the delineation and interpretation of observed behavior within its particular context so that the behavior becomes meaningful to an outsider.

What is thick description According to Geertz?

Geertz described the practice of thick description as a way of providing cultural context and meaning that people place on actions, words, things, etc. Thick descriptions provide enough context so that a person outside the culture can make meaning of the behavior.

What is thick description quizlet?



“thick” description involves understanding and absorbing the context of the situation or behavior. It also involves ascribing present and future intentionality to the behavior.