OPTIMIZING SAFETY, DATA RELIABILITY, AND RESEARCH DIVERSITY IN ETHNOMUSICOLOGY FIELDWORK: A CASE STUDY OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN YUNNAN UNIVERSITIES
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Abstract
Fieldwork plays a central role in ethnomusicology, enabling students to engage with real-world musical practices. However, this study reveals that many student researchers encounter serious challenges, particularly regarding safety, data reliability, and research diversity. A mixed-methods approach was used, involving surveys from 350 students and 15 interviews across four universities in Yunnan Province, China. Results showed that 62% of students faced safety risks, while only 34.4% applied data validation techniques such as triangulation. Furthermore, over 70% focused on well-known ethnic groups, leaving lesser-known communities underrepresented. These trends raise concerns about the depth, scope, and academic value of undergraduate fieldwork. Based on these findings, the study proposes practical strategies, including scenario-based safety training, standardized methodological instruction, and institutional support for underrepresented regions. These measures aim to improve students’ readiness, promote diverse fieldwork practices, and enhance the overall quality of ethnomusicology education.
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References
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