How to Write a Field Report
Field reports are widely used throughout social
sciences. They contain important observations of the researcher
who is interested in particular phenomena, processes, behaviors,
and so forth. It is true that social sciences are based upon
theoretical reflections and conceptions, hence, it is not possible for
a researcher to merely observe without having any theoretical
framework for his/her examinations. Nevertheless, to have a
theoretical conception is never enough: one should be also able to
prove his/her conception, and even to modify it according to
his/her own observations related to the conception in question.
The instructions given below will be related to how to write a field
report in a proper manner. Please keep in mind that every
academic field has its peculiar principles and requirements,
therefore, you need to get more information about your task from
your instructor or classmates.
How to write a field report – 5 essential
steps--
1. Formulate your research problem
Your research problem is formulated as a sentence, usually in the form of a
question, such as: “What is the function which the ritual X performs in the
community Y?” Of course, the sentence could be much longer, or have
several separated parts (i.e. consist of several questions interconnected with
each other). In all cases, without a well-defined research problem you cannot
do a good field report. Your observations should be focused on a given
problem, otherwise, you will write a narrative rather than a field report.
2. Elaborate theoretical framework
You need to read a lot about your research problem - what other specialists
maintain, how they carry out their research, what pieces of advice you can
take from them. After having read the required literature, you should formulate
the following points:
* Thesis - the point which you will maintain and will try to prove
through observations.
* Arguments - you can refer to data or statistics, or another kind of
information in order to prove your thesis. Remember: by doing your own
research, you will add new arguments, so take this into consideration!
* Validity of your thesis - you should show under what
circumstances your thesis could not be applied (i.e., there can be a specific
factor which will lead to different results than the ones you expect).
3. Specify your methodology and scope of work
You should elaborate a plan with particular steps for performing. In short, it
should comprise the place of your field study (observation), the time period
(from-to), methods used (different types of activities for observation, according
to you academic field).
4. Do your field research
Your field research can be done at once, but it could also have several
stages; for example, you can visit the given place and observe the particular
community (or a group) several times. Of course, the latter option is the better
one, but sometimes college students do not have so much time to do it.
You should adhere to your initial plan and methodology. Carry out your
observations, interviews, video records, and so forth, according to your plan
and your research problem. Do not do anything which is not directly related to
your task! Take notes and write down your feelings and impressions.
5. Write your field report
Your report should include all points given above - theoretical framework, plan
for doing research, and observations. Be consistent and logical in your writing:
connect each paragraph with each other, but divide the text into sections
(introduction, thesis, methodology, etc.).
A field report should include these points: theoretical
framework, plan for doing research, and observations.
Connect each paragraph with each other and divide the
text into sections (introduction, thesis, methodology,
etc.).