The Logistics of Field Work
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As professors Christopher Barrett and Jeffrey Cason say in their introduction to Overseas Research: A Practical Guide, "Every year a great number of enthusiastic, well-trained social scientists set out on their first overseas research project and, with an awesome display of energy and creativity, reinvent the flat tire." They believe that most novice researchers' missteps and obstacles are due "not to poor formal training, but to a lack of field-tested advice on practical matters." They continue, "Any social scientist who has set out to collect data in 'the field' knows the gnawing feeling that previous methodological study is of limited value in the successful conduct of field research."
The following tips are reprinted from Overseas Research: A Practical Guide (1997, The John Hopkins University Press, $18.95, 160 p.p). You can order a copy on the The Johns Hopkins University Press website or by calling 800-537-5487.
A few tips on what to bring for your research trip:
Even the simplest research designs today depend on some basic tools: computers, tape recorders, cameras, photocopiers, and the like. You need to think through the necessary equipment at an early stage, determine whether it is better to bring needed items along or to accompany them on site, and plan for maintenance.
Bring a computer: As one researcher notes emphatically "you should be writing in a journal or keep regular notes constantly, every free minute you have.”
Use Ziploc bags to protect your equipment and documents.
Tips on interviewing effectively and responsibly in the field:
When you go into the field, one of the first things you have to figure out is who to talk to or who to survey… the researcher must be creative and persistent in discovering appropriate informants.
- • Take care in choosing and cultivating informants
• Use social networks and local news sources to find out who is keyed into your topic
• Be careful not to give the appearance of “using informants.”
• Make sure the process is not a one-way street
• However, realize that some informants will not want anything back
• Don’t have high expectations of VIP’s
• Convince people that you will protect their confidentiality and be trusted.
• Write a one-page consent form that is translated into their native language and read it out loud to informants before they agree to its terms.
• Make sure that informants know that if at any time they no longer want to participate, or don’t want to answer a specific question, that is completely fine.
Broaching sensitive subjects like sexuality/religion etc., or dealing with informants who feel threatened by disclosure:
Thinking through the ethics and the research practices associated with protecting your informants is mandatory if you are dealing with politically or socially sensitive issues. We strongly advise you to establish your own guidelines before going to the field.
- • Keep in mind that what an outsider might consider mundane might be an area of extreme sensitivity for an informant.
• In the case of politically sensitive subjects, be sure to protect yourself as well as the informant.
• Be willing to change research topics due to sensitivity issues.
• Maintain a flexible research agenda.
Recording interviews:
Simple rule: never record without the permission of the interviewee.
Advantages of recording: You will have an accurate record of the conversation/interview
Disadvantages: informants are less likely to speak candidly if they know they are being recorded
Do not confuse confidentiality with anonymity when interviewing
an informant:
Confidentiality: the researcher will not use the information in reporting research results; the information is purely for the researcher’s private edification
Anonymity: the source will not be identified but the information can be used. Make sure the informant always knows exactly where and to what purpose the information will be used.
When using anonymity be sure to exercise extreme care as “insiders” can often identify the source without the name and this can put the informant in danger.
Most major research universities have human subjects research committees or institutional research boards, which can provide you with established protocols regarding anonymity and confidentiality.
On Reciprocal Research:
Give something back.
Research feedback is imperative. Share your results with local communities and keep an ongoing relationship with research sites. This can spark discussion that will help the community and your own understanding of your research. If you promise this at the beginning informants will be much more willing to participate.
Many informants will expect that researchers will bring money back into their community through their findings. Make it clear at the beginning of the research period what you will and will not do for respondents or the community in general. Do not promise anything that you cannot deliver.
In general when you sense ambiguity, clarify.
Respondents may doubt your credibility despite all your precautions. Accept this.
Be prepared for unexpected challenges by preparing beforehand and recognizing the limitations of your power to change the situations when incidents occur.
—Tips provided by Christopher Barrett and Jeffrey Cason, Overseas Research: A Practical Guide