Abstract
This article argues that a multi-variation approach can be a useful supplement to existing ethnographic studies in the field of Human-Robot Interaction (HRI). The multi-variation approach builds on classical ethnographic case studies, where a researcher studies a delimited field in a microstudy of a particular robot, its makers, users, and affected stakeholders. The approach is also inspired by multi-sited studies, where researchers move across fields, adding to the complexity of the ethnographic findings. Whereas both approaches build on analysis of microstudies, the multi-variation approach is further inspired by postphenomenology, where the main aim is to deliberately seek variation – thus again adding to the complexity of the detailed findings. Here, the multivariation approach includes several researchers studying several types of robots across sites. The analytical approach seeks patterns across this complexity – and the claim is that a multi-variation approach has a strength in findings that are systematic and consistent across cases, sites, and variations. The article gives an example of such cross-variation findings in the robot field – namely the tendency for roboticists across cases and robot types to publicly present their robots as more finished and wellfunctioning than they actually are.
References
[1] W.-Y. Hwang, S.-Y Wu, A case study of collaboration with multirobots and its effect on children’s interaction, Interactive Learning Environments, 2014, 22(4), 429-44310.1080/10494820.2012.680968Search in Google Scholar
[2] L. Major, T. Kyriacou, P. Brereton, The effectiveness of simulated robots for supporting the learning of introductory programming: a multi-case case study, Computer Science Education, 2014, 24(2-3), 193-22810.1080/08993408.2014.963362Search in Google Scholar
[3] A. Ioannou, E. Andreou, M. Christofi, Pre-schoolers’ interest and caring behaviour around a humanoid robot, TechTrends, 2015, 59(2), 23-2610.1007/s11528-015-0835-0Search in Google Scholar
[4] S. Somyürek, An effective educational tool: Construction kits for fun and meaningful learning, International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 2015, 25(1), 25-4110.1007/s10798-014-9272-1Search in Google Scholar
[5] M. C. Ayar, First-hand experience with engineering design and career interest in engineering: An informal STEM education case study, Educational Sciences: Theory & Practice, 2015, 15(6), 1655-1675Search in Google Scholar
[6] O. G. Stewart, M. E. Jordan, “Some explanation here”: a case study of learning opportunities and tensions in an informal science learning environment, Instructional Science, 2017, 45(2), 137-15610.1007/s11251-016-9396-7Search in Google Scholar
[7] M. Hammersley, Ethnography: Problems and prospects, Ethnography and Education, 2006, 1(1), 3-1410.1080/17457820500512697Search in Google Scholar
[8] N. K. Denzin, Y. S. Lincoln, Introduction: Entering the field of qualitative research, In: N. K. Denzin, Y. S. Lincoln (Eds.), The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research, Sage, 1994, 1-17Search in Google Scholar
[9] J. Hogan, P. Dolan, P. Donnelly, Introduction, In: J. Hogan, P. Dolan, P. Donnelly (Eds.), Approaches to Qualitative Research: Theory and Its Practical Application, Oak Tree Press, 2009, 1-18Search in Google Scholar
[10] T. Ingold, Being alive: Essays on Movement, Knowledge and Description, Routledge, 2011Search in Google Scholar
[11] S. Sismondo, An Introduction to Science and Technology Studies, Wiley-Blackwell, 2010Search in Google Scholar
[12] E. J. Hackett, O. Amsterdamska, M. Lynch, J.Wajcman, The Handbook of Science and Technology Studies, The MIT Press, 2008Search in Google Scholar
[13] G. E. Marcus, Ethnography in/of the world system: The emergence of multi-sited ethnography, Annual Review of Anthropology, 1995, 24, 95-11710.1146/annurev.an.24.100195.000523Search in Google Scholar
[14] G. E. Marcus, Multi-sited ethnography: Five or six things I know about it now, Problems and Possibilities in Multi-sited Ethnography [workshop], University of Sussex, 27-28 June 2005, http://eprints.ncrm.ac.uk/64/1/georgemarcus.pdfSearch in Google Scholar
[15] E. F. Fischer, Cultural logic and Maya identity: Rethinking constructivism and essentialism, Current Anthropology, 1999, 40(4), 473-50010.1086/200046Search in Google Scholar
[16] L. Nader, Comparative consciousness, In: R. Borofsky (Ed.), Assessing Cultural Anthropology, McGraw-Hill, 1994Search in Google Scholar
[17] C. Hasse, S. Trentemøller, The method of culture contrast, Qualitative Research in Psychology, 2009, 6(1-2), 46-6610.1080/14780880902900903Search in Google Scholar
[18] A. Gingrich, R. G. Fox (Eds.), Anthropology, By Comparison, Routledge, 2002Search in Google Scholar
[19] C. Hasse, An Anthropology of Learning, Springer Verlag, 201510.1007/978-94-017-9606-4Search in Google Scholar
[20] J. Sorenson, Decisions and values: Engineering design as a pragmatic and sociomaterial negotiation process, REELER Working Paper Series [working paper], Aarhus University, 2018Search in Google Scholar
[21] S. Hansen, If we had a specific idea of the product 12 months ago, it would never be what we have today! A study in situational pragmatic actions and strategies in everyday technological development, REELER Working Paper Series [working paper], Aarhus University, 2018Search in Google Scholar
[22] S. Traweek, Beamtimes and Lifetimes: The World of High Energy Physicists, Harvard University Press, 198810.4159/9780674044449Search in Google Scholar
[23] C. Hasse, S. Trentemøller, Cultural work place patterns in academia, Science Studies 2011, 24(1), 6-2310.23987/sts.55267Search in Google Scholar
[24] C. Hasse, S. Trentemøller, Break the Pattern. A Critical Enquiry into Three Scientific Workplace Cultures: Hercules, Caretakers and Worker Bees, Tartu University Press, 2008Search in Google Scholar
[25] C. Hasse, Technological literacy for teachers, Oxford Review of Education, 2017, 43(3), 365-37810.1080/03054985.2017.1305057Search in Google Scholar
[26] J.Wallace, C. Hasse, Situating technological literacy in the workplace, In: J. Dakers (Ed.), New Frontiers in Technological Literacy, Palgrave Macmillan, 2014, 153-16410.1057/9781137394750_11Search in Google Scholar
[27] N. Nevejans, Study: European civil law rules in robotics, Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs, European Parliament. Document PE 571.379, 2016, http://www.europarl.europa.eu/committees/fr/supportinganalyses-search.htmlSearch in Google Scholar
[28] J. Sorenson, SEARCH REPORT: Education and Robot [internal REELER project document], 2017Search in Google Scholar
[29] D. Ihde, Postphenomenology and Technoscience: The Peking University Lectures, SUNY Press, 200910.1515/9781438426402Search in Google Scholar
[30] J. Aagaard, J. K. B. Friis, J. Sorenson, O. A. Tafdrup, C. Hasse (Eds.), Postphenomenological Methodologies: NewWays in Mediating Techno-Human Relationships, Rowan & Littlefield International, 2018Search in Google Scholar
[31] KUKA, Kuka Annual Report 2016, Making the Right Decisions at the Right Time, 2016Search in Google Scholar
[32] M.-A. Falzon, Introduction, In: M.-A. Falzon (Ed.), Multi-sited Ethnography: Theory, Praxis and Locality in Contemporary Research, Ashgate, 2009, 1-23Search in Google Scholar
See also:
[33] L. Blond, Technological style is history, SHOT Graduate Workshop Paper [paper presentation] presented at SHOT Annual Conference, 2016 Singapore [working paper], 2016, 1-9Search in Google Scholar
[34] M. Bruun, C. Hasse, S. Hanghøj, Studying social robots in practiced places, Techne: Research in Philosophy and Technology, 2015, 19(2), 143-16510.5840/techne20159833Search in Google Scholar
[35] K. M. Eisenhardt, M. E. Graebner, Theory building from cases: Opportunities and challenges, Academy of Management Journal, 2007, 50(1), 25-3210.5465/amj.2007.24160888Search in Google Scholar
[36] K. M. Eisenhardt, Building theories from case study research, Academy of Management Review, 1989, 14(4), 532-55010.5465/amr.1989.4308385Search in Google Scholar
[37] J. Gerring, The case study: what it is and what it does, In: C. Boix, S. C. Stokes (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Comparative Politics, Oxford University Press, 2007, 94-109Search in Google Scholar
[38] J. Gerring, Case Study Research: Principles and Practices, Cambridge University Press, 200610.1017/CBO9780511803123Search in Google Scholar
[39] R. K. Yin, Case Study Research: Design and Methods, Sage, 1994/2003Search in Google Scholar
[40] K. Darling, Extending legal rights to social robots [paper presentation], presented at We Robot Conference, University of Miami, 23 April 2012, http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2044797 (accessed April 26, 2019)10.2139/ssrn.2044797(accessed262019Search in Google Scholar
© 2019 Cathrine Hasse, published by De Gruyter
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Public License.