thick description

USAGE SUMMARY

"thick description" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe detailed, nuanced accounts of a particular event, experience, or phenomenon. For example, "The author provided a thick description of the town's vibrant culture and deep-rooted traditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Finally, by engaging in rich, thick description, we sought to provide sufficient descriptive detail of the participants and the context to assist with transferability of the data [ 43].

BMC Medical Education

After 14 interviews, an extensive thick description of data was written, structured according to the six descriptive categories.

BMC Psychiatry

Papers that provided mainly descriptive data offered few insights, while others that included thick description and rigorous analysis contributed more substantively to the themes.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Thick description.

The Guardian - Books

His idea of "thick description" doesn't only describe anthropology's possibilities, it also limits those possibilities.

The New York Times - Books

This kind of thick description can slow a scene or make it more lurid than life.

The New York Times - Books

I tend to prefer the earlier piece, for its thick description and subtleties, while recognizing the greatness of the later one.

The New Yorker

His curiosity is boundless but also disciplined, and he forgoes explanation in favor of a visual version of what anthropologists call thick description.

The New York Times

This essay (in his classic collection, "The Interpretation of Cultures") was a demonstration of his anthropological philosophy: we come to understand another social universe through "thick description".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The aim is to make a rich and detailed 'thick' description [ 45] of the consultation.

BMC Family Practice

Ethnographic studies provide 'thick description' (Geertz 1973) and rich details of social phenomena.

Health Policy and Planning

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thick description" when you want to convey that your account includes not just surface-level observations, but also contextual details, intentions, and meanings from the perspective of those involved.

Common error

Don't equate mere quantity of detail with "thick description". Ensure details are relevant, contextualized, and contribute to a deeper understanding of the subject, rather than being superfluous or distracting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thick description" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a detailed and contextualized account of a phenomenon, action, or event. As evidenced by Ludwig, this usage is common across various scientific and journalistic domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

63%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thick description" is a frequently used and grammatically sound term that describes a detailed, contextualized account of a phenomenon, particularly in qualitative research and ethnography. As Ludwig AI confirms, it emphasizes not just the details, but also the intentions, meanings, and context surrounding an event. The phrase is most commonly found in science and news/media contexts, indicating its relevance in both academic and journalistic writing. Remember to use it when you want to convey a deep understanding of your subject, but avoid equating mere detail with true significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detailed account

Replaces the adjective "thick" with "detailed" to emphasize the level of detail.

comprehensive analysis

Focuses on the thoroughness and completeness of the analysis rather than just the description.

in-depth explanation

Highlights the depth of the explanation provided.

nuanced portrayal

Emphasizes the subtle and complex aspects captured in the description.

elaborate depiction

Stresses the detailed and complex nature of the depiction.

thorough exposition

Focuses on a complete and detailed presentation of information.

richly textured narrative

Highlights the depth and complexity of the narrative account.

extensive coverage

Emphasizes the broad scope and detail of the coverage.

comprehensive examination

Emphasizes a full and detailed review.

meticulous representation

Highlights the precision and careful detail in the representation.

FAQs

How is "thick description" used in research?

"Thick description" is used in qualitative research to provide a detailed and contextual account of a phenomenon, including the meanings and intentions of participants. It's often used to establish transferability, as seen in examples from BMC Medical Education.

What are some alternatives to "thick description"?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "detailed account", "comprehensive analysis", or "in-depth explanation" to convey a similar meaning.

How does "thick description" relate to ethnography?

"Thick description" is a key element in ethnographic research, where the goal is to provide a rich and detailed understanding of a culture or social group. It involves observing events and attempting to describe their economic, social, political and cultural significance, as seen in examples from the Huffington Post.

What are the key attributes of a "thick description"?

According to BMC Medical Research Methodology, a "thick description" describes the context of an act, states the intentions and meanings, explains the circumstances, and unfolds the sequence of events.