It seems the new academic year has only just got under way and already it's time to prepare for midterm assignments. In previous columns we've discussed library research techniques, but for some types of papers (and presentations) students need to do some work out on location somewhere, gathering data about a specific place or a large community.
This can be the most exciting kind of research, since you're dealing with "real" people (not stuffy old books), you can experience events first-hand, and you have the chance to scoop something that no one else has found out about yet.
The trick with field research is to make the most efficient use of your time while you're visiting the spot. You might need to travel some distance to get to the place, so who wants to waste time while you're there.
This week's column will give you some hints as to how to plan ahead, so that your actual visit will be as smooth and rewarding as possible.
Create a Great Team
If you are allowed to work in a group, be careful to choose group members wisely. Don't just choose your best class buddies, because these people may not be willing to put in the effort you expect from research teammates. Choose to team up with people who seem organized and have the time to put in their fair share of work on the project. Look for a good balance of research strengths; one person may be good at interviewing while another might be better at note taking, for example. It could also be that the best group for your situation is a team of one.
Have Clear Lines of Communication
Make sure all group members know how and when to contact each other. Circulate phone numbers and e-mail addresses, and agree on the best times to get in touch (a.m. or p.m., for example). A team coordinator could be chosen to make sure everyone knows what's going on, so that everyone knows when meetings and field trips are going to be, and if any last-minute changes have to be made.
Know the Layout
Read up on the research destination ahead of time so you have at least a general familiarity with it beforehand. If you arrive there "cold," you may waste a lot of time just getting your bearings. Check out maps or guidebooks, if available, so you know the street names and perhaps, too, any famous spots or points of historical interest in the area. The Internet can be a quick and handy source of this kind of background information, as well.
This can be the most exciting kind of research, since you're dealing with "real" people (not stuffy old books), you can experience events first-hand, and you have the chance to scoop something that no one else has found out about yet.
The trick with field research is to make the most efficient use of your time while you're visiting the spot. You might need to travel some distance to get to the place, so who wants to waste time while you're there.
This week's column will give you some hints as to how to plan ahead, so that your actual visit will be as smooth and rewarding as possible.
Create a Great Team
If you are allowed to work in a group, be careful to choose group members wisely. Don't just choose your best class buddies, because these people may not be willing to put in the effort you expect from research teammates. Choose to team up with people who seem organized and have the time to put in their fair share of work on the project. Look for a good balance of research strengths; one person may be good at interviewing while another might be better at note taking, for example. It could also be that the best group for your situation is a team of one.
Have Clear Lines of Communication
Make sure all group members know how and when to contact each other. Circulate phone numbers and e-mail addresses, and agree on the best times to get in touch (a.m. or p.m., for example). A team coordinator could be chosen to make sure everyone knows what's going on, so that everyone knows when meetings and field trips are going to be, and if any last-minute changes have to be made.
Know the Layout
Read up on the research destination ahead of time so you have at least a general familiarity with it beforehand. If you arrive there "cold," you may waste a lot of time just getting your bearings. Check out maps or guidebooks, if available, so you know the street names and perhaps, too, any famous spots or points of historical interest in the area. The Internet can be a quick and handy source of this kind of background information, as well.
Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article How to Plan Field Research in Academic Writing is owned by . Permission to republish How to Plan Field Research in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
