what is fieldwork

what is fieldwork and recording of field data in qualitative research

1. What is Fieldwork and recording of field data; practices in Qualitative Research Safi Ullah M.Phil library & information Science AIOU islamabad

2. Table of Contents What is field work Field work in qualitative research Data recording Data recording tools Field notes Steps in conducting field research Advantages and Disadvantages

3. Field work Field work is the process of observing and collecting data about people, cultures, and natural environments. Field work is conducted in the wild of our everyday surroundings rather than in the semi-controlled environments of a lab or classroom.

4. Fieldwork in qualitative research Field research is defined as a qualitative   method of data collection  that aims to observe, interact and understand people while they are in a natural environment.

5. Data Recording The general purpose of data recording is to set in writing and assure the preservation of the data collected in the course of field or laboratory studies.

6. Data Recording Data recording in participant observation Data recording in interview Data recording focus group discussion

7. Data Recording Tools Check list Stenography Video camera Audio recording device Hand written notes

8. Field Notes The ways in which you take notes during an observational study is very much a personal decision developed over time as you become more experienced in observing.

9. Kinds of field notes Types of Field Notes Brief Description Jot Notes (bit) Key words or phrases are written down while in the field. Field Notes Proper A description of the physical context and the people involved, including their behavior and nonverbal communication. Methodological Notes New ideas that the researcher has on how to carry out the research project. Journals and Diaries These notes record the ethnographer's personal reactions and assessments of life and work in the field.

10. Steps in Conducting Field Research Build the Right Team Recruiting People for the Study Data Collection Methodology Site Visit Data Analysis Communicating Results

11. Advantages of Field Research The advantages of field research are: It is conducted in a real-world and natural environment where there is no interfering of variables and the environment. Due to the study being conducted in a comfortable environment, data can be collected even about additional topics. The researcher gains a deep understanding into the research subjects due to the proximity to them and hence the research is extensive, thorough and accurate.

12. Disadvantages of Field Research The disadvantages of field research are: The studies are expensive and time-consuming and can take years to complete. It is very difficult for the researcher to distance themselves from a bias in the research study. The notes have to be exactly what the researcher says but the nomenclature is very tough to follow. It is an interpretive method and this is subjective and entirely dependent on the ability of the researcher. In this method, it is impossible to control external variables and this constantly alters the nature of the research

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