Ethnographic Methods and Traditional Populations

A Systematic Review of Methodological Variables (2015–2025)

Abstract

Objetivo: Ethnographic methodologies are fundamental strategies used by researchers to engage with and collect data from traditional populations, such as quilombola and Indigenous communities. However, gaps remain in the systematization of methodological variables in recent scientific literature. Objective: To identify the methodological variables of ethnographic methods used in scientific literature focused on traditional populations. Methods: A qualitative systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, using the PICOS strategy (Population: traditional peoples; Intervention: ethnographic methods). Searches were carried out in the BVS, SciELO, LILACS, and MEDLINE databases (2015–2025), using Boolean descriptors (e.g., quilombolas AND ethnography). Of the 129 articles initially identified, 40 were included after screening by two independent reviewers. Data were extracted on ethnographic techniques such as participant observation, interviews, and field diaries. Results: The most frequent methodological variables were participant observation (75% of studies), in-depth interviews (60%), and field diaries (45%). Reported challenges included cultural adaptation (30% of studies), ethical concerns in research with Indigenous populations (25%), and the impact of COVID-19 on fieldwork (15%). Trends identified included the growing use of digital ethnographies (20%) and collaborative approaches (35%). Conclusion: The review identified participant observation as the most used ethnographic technique with traditional populations and highlighted the cultural adaptation of methods, including innovative approaches.