Basic principles and methods of ethnographic research are outlined for students who may wish to undertake this form of qualitative research. Ethnographic research is defined as a form of study based on observation of human action, discourse, and self-perception, and is suggested as an appropriate form of research when experimental research is inappropriate, and when exactitude is not needed. Four steps in the research process are outlined: pre-planning (choosing a place or population, determining limitations and possible problems, investigating feasibility, making a formal research proposal, gathering research tools); gaining access and getting help (protecting human subjects, convincing "gatekeepers" to allow access, making use of a cooperative individual); observation (choosing a role, taking and processing field notes, interviewing the observed); and follow-up (analyzing notes, developing concepts, interpreting and evaluating, writing and publishing results). Considerations in conducting each of these stages are discussed. Two examples of research projects are used as illustration: a study in which three college students research restaurant eating habits, and one in which a professional researcher lives within a community to examine household division of labor. Contains 10 references. (MSE)