Authors' Response

Abstract

Thank you for your letter highlighting the value of ethnography in developmental disorder and disability research. In our review, we aimed to investigate the extent, range, nature, and contribution of ethnographic methodology in nutrition and dietetics research.1Ottrey E. Jong J. Porter J. Ethnography in nutrition and dietetics research: A systematic review.J Acad Nutr Diet. 2018; 118: 1903-1942Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (21) Google Scholar We acknowledge the variations in ethnographic research designs, as well as the different techniques used to collect data. For the purposes of our review, we adopted Gobo and Molle’s description of ethnography, which proposes that data are collected through means that include participant observation.2Gobo G. Molle A. Doing Ethnography.2nd ed. Sage Publications Ltd, London2017Google Scholar As such, eligibility criteria for inclusion in our review required observation to be employed as part of the ethnographic research. We agree that observation is particularly useful in research involving participants who are unable to freely communicate or express their own thoughts and opinions verbally. The technique can provide significant insight into nutrition behaviors and decision making. However, observation can be applied beyond developmental disorder and disability research into other populations in which communication may be limited, for example, by age or cognition. Understanding of nutrition behaviors and decision making within other cohorts, such as pediatrics or geriatrics, may be extended by using observation to explore practices and experiences.3Christensen P.H. Children's participation in ethnographic research: Issues of power and representation.Child Soc. 2004; 18: 165-176Crossref Scopus (407) Google Scholar, 4Puurveen G. Phinney A. Cox S. Purvest B. Ethical issues in the use of video observations with people with advanced dementia and their caregivers in nursing home environments.Visual Methodologies. 2015; 3: 16-26Google Scholar, 5Tutton E. Seers K. Langstaff D. Westwood M. Staff and patient views of the concept of hope on a stroke unit: A qualitative study.J Adv Nurs. 2012; 68: 2061-2069Crossref PubMed Scopus (17) Google Scholar Recorded observations may also offer detailed insights into behaviors and interactions, such as in aged care or mental health settings.4Puurveen G. Phinney A. Cox S. Purvest B. Ethical issues in the use of video observations with people with advanced dementia and their caregivers in nursing home environments.Visual Methodologies. 2015; 3: 16-26Google Scholar, 6Latvala E. Vuokila-Oikkonen P. Janhonen S. Videotaped recording as a method of participant observation in psychiatric nursing research.J Adv Nurs. 2000; 31: 1252-1257Crossref PubMed Scopus (66) Google Scholar Food consumption and nutrition-related health concerns affect all groups within society. To better inform disease prevention and management and promote health and well-being, we must continue to adopt research methodologies that enable the inclusion of different populations in scientific inquiry. By using ethnographic methodology to watch, listen, and experience life with diverse groups, we may find that actions do indeed speak louder than words. Use of Ethnography as a Research ToolJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and DieteticsVol. 119Issue 1PreviewI read with interest the recent online article titled “Ethnography in Nutrition and Dietetics Research: A Systematic Review.”1 I think that this is an important topic, worthy of consideration in this journal, and long overdue for focus as a research tool in the field of nutrition and dietetics. Full-Text PDF