Effective Fieldwork Dr Naomi Haynes Social Anthropology What
- Slides: 22
Effective Fieldwork Dr Naomi Haynes Social Anthropology
What do we mean by “fieldwork? ”
§Research conducted “on the What do we mean by “fieldwork? ” ground” § In the context one is exploring § Where the context itself is part of the data §Could be near or far
https: //anthropod. net/2014/08/06/doing-anthropological-fieldwork-at-home/
§Research conducted “on the ground” What do we mean by “fieldwork? ” § In the context one is exploring § Where the context itself is part of the data §Could be near or far §Could be long- or short-term
§Participant-Observation Qualitative methods used during fieldwork §Interviews §Mapping §Focus groups §Etc.
§Participant-Observation Qualitative methods used during fieldwork §Interviews §Mapping §Focus groups §Etc.
What makes fieldwork effective?
What makes fieldwork effective? 1 2 Separation Immersion 3 Collection 4 5 Reflection Separation
§ No matter where you go, go “to the field” Separation § Make time for contact with family, friends, and supervisors, but don’t allow this to be constant
Immersion § Actively practice “being there” § Food § Dress § Habits and routines § Talking the talk (language and lingo) § This will feel silly – that’s a good sign!
§ TAKE NOTES!!!! § Take notes during activities § If it’s awkward, it’s ethical! § Take more detailed notes Collection afterwards, and make these as thorough as possible § Other data: photos, literature, maps and surveys, etc. § But most of all, TAKE NOTES!!!
§ Regularly (every few days or so), do some light coding of your notes § Identify key themes § Put them together, literally Reflection § Periodically (every month or so), take stock of what you’ve gathered so far § What patterns do you see emerging? § What questions remain unanswered? § What do you need to do to answer those questions?
§ These days, it can be hard to actually leave the field § Find a way to mark the end of fieldwork Separation § Thank your informants § Formally say goodbye § Keep those relationships strong § Move onto the next phase of research: writing up
Into the field!
What makes fieldwork effective? 1 2 Separation Immersion 3 Collection 4 5 Reflection Separation