1. The scientific description of nations or races of humans, with their customs, habits, and points of difference.
2. The descriptive study of ethnic groups or of a particular ethnic group.
3. An anthropological description of a particular community or society.
4. The comprehensive, descriptive study of a particular culture, usually the result of observation and in-depth interviews with key informants during fieldwork.

Data are gathered by direct observation during a period of residence with the group.