In this paper we present ethno-mining, a mixed methods approach drawing on techniques from ethnography and data mining. Ethno-mining is characterized by tight, iterative loops that integrate both the results and the processes of ethnographic and data mining techniques to interpret data. Ethno-mining provides two key benefits. First, it makes use of both qualitative and quantitative data (e.g. observations and sensor data) to study phenomena that are practically inaccessible through either data type alone. Second, it provides a means of interpreting that data which produces novel insights by exposing the biases inherent in either type of data alone. We present ethno-mining in the context of a study of mobility and laptop use in the home, discussing how findings from the study relate to the use of the method.
Title
Ethno-Mining: Integrating Words and Numbers from the Ground Up
Published
2006-10-05
Full Collection Name
Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences Technical Reports
Other Identifiers
EECS-2006-124
Type
Text
Extent
13 p
Archive
The Engineering Library
Usage Statement
Researchers may make free and open use of the UC Berkeley Library’s digitized public domain materials. However, some materials in our online collections may be protected by U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S.C.). Use or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use (Title 17, U.S.C. § 107) requires permission from the copyright owners. The use or reproduction of some materials may also be restricted by terms of University of California gift or purchase agreements, privacy and publicity rights, or trademark law. Responsibility for determining rights status and permissibility of any use or reproduction rests exclusively with the researcher. To learn more or make inquiries, please see our permissions policies (https://www.lib.berkeley.edu/about/permissions-policies).
