According to Fetterman (1998) all kinds of research need an underlying theory or model in order to be conducted. The theoretical perspective of a researcher contributes in defining and approaching the problem or issue question.
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As stated in Fetterman (1998) understanding the epistemological basis for a selected model is important when conducting ethnographic research. The typical model in ethnographic research is based on a phenomenological oriented paradigm which embraces a multicultural perspective due to the acceptance of multiple realities (Fetterman, 1998, p.5).
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Such phenomenologically oriented studies are typically inductive, making explicit assumptions about multiple realities. Ethnographers can choose among a big variety of specific theories. However, the election of the appropriate theory depends on the nature of the problem. Not all theories are appropriate for all problems (Fetterman, 1998).
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Ideational and materialistic are the two types of theory that are used by most researchers. The most popular ideational theory in anthropology is the cognitive theory. "Cognitive theory assumes that we can describe what people think by listening to what they say -not an unreasonable assumption" (Fetterman, 1998, p.6). Ideational theory ethnographers bring to the study a worldview under the perspective of the mental origins-ideas, cognitive maps, knowledge and beliefs of the human world, while materialist theory ethnographers view the human world based on observable behaviour patterns (Fetterman, 1998).
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