COMPUTERS, TECHNOLOGY, DATA GATHERING, AND RESEARCH

COMPUTERS, TECHNOLOGY, DATA
GATHERING, AND RESEARCH
Computers and technology can serve many useful
purposes in ethnic research. Computers can be pro-
grammed to interact in the language, idiom, dialect, and
vernacular of the ethnic member. Computers can help
overcome some of the barriers and biases entailed in
face-to-face data gathering, such as the effects of the
interviewer’s ethnic characteristics.
Opportunities exist for members of ethnic communi-
ties to define their own problems and conduct their own
research to educate themselves and those outside their
communities. Many simple, user-friendly programs are
capable of statistical work. Data can be obtained at such
sites as religious gatherings, shopping facilities, schools,
and eating establishments. The data that are gathered can
be shared with ethnic members throughout the country,
for example, through the Internet. Ethnic community
members can use the information to provide mutual sup-
port and to gain more insight into their problems and
solutions. They also can share their research with other
ethnic communities in the world