Effective Fieldwork Dr Naomi Haynes Social Anthropology What

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