Fieldwork Report
Course Title: Fieldwork for Research Methodology
Course Code: ECO 477
Submitted to
Dr. Mohammad Sadiqunnabi Choudhury
Professor
Department of Economics
Shahjalal University of Science and Technology
Submitted by
Fatiha Nusrat
Registration no. 2019231021
4th Year 2nd Semester
Department of Economics
Shahjalal University of Science and Technology
Date of Submission: 3rd August, 2025
Executive Summary
The fieldwork was on 2nd August, 2025 for collecting quantitative data through surveys using a
standard questionnaire, created and provided by Md. Gias Uddin Ahmed, (who is an Associate
Professor of the Department of Economics at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology)
for a project funded by the SUST Research Centre, titled “The Role of Financial Literacy on
Financial Decision Making: A Cross-Sectional Study in Sylhet”. The data collection was
conducted by the students of 4th Year 2nd Semester of Economics department at SUST as a part
of the course ECO 477, supervised by Dr Mohammad Sadiqunnabi Choudhury. The areas where
students conducted the survey included different neighbourhoods in Sylhet City Corporation. A
total of 51 students (divided into 11 uneven groups) collected data from 11 different spots using
manual (pen and paper) questionnaires from around 9 am to 2 pm after receiving a brief from the
supervisor.
Introduction
Effective financial outcomes result from making effective financial choices. And making smart
financial choices requires financial literacy. This study aims to investigate the relationship
between financial decision making and financial literacy among adults in Sylhet.
Methodology
Demographics: Target population included adults in Sylhet with varying age groups, levels of
education, professions, marital status, gender, monthly income, and social status.
Sampling Techniques: Stratified with each group targeting different locations and each
enumerator targeting diversified respondents.
Tools: Printed out Questionnaire marked using pen or pencil.
Ethical Consideration: Consent of each respondent was received upon briefing them of the
purpose of the survey.
Fieldwork Process
Enumerators typically went door to door to collect data. Rarely, data was collected in public
spaces. Locations visited included Tilagor, Subidbazar, Baluchor, Modina Market, Akhalia,
Electric Supply, Baghbari, Chowkideki, Kumarpra, Tilargao, and Uposhahar. Each group
typically consisted of 3-5 members with each member working independently but keeping their
respective groups notified.
Challenges
The only challenge was the weather. Reaching data collection zones and finding respondents
were not challenging themselves because the areas and people are familiar. However, due to
heavy rain, it was extremely difficult to smoothly transport. Still, we continued our work using
umbrellas.
Observations
The behaviour of the respondents was positive. People hardly hesitated, rather participated in the
survey willingly. However, it was evident that certain terms felt nuanced to the most respondents,
even the highly educated people. We tried to explain from our ends.
Preliminary Findings
The findings can be disclosed after analysis. However, what we observed on the spot was that
most people would like to increase their financial literacy as well as enhance their habits around
finances such as investing, savings, and creating a budget- which are currently a challenge to
them.
Conclusion
Personally, the fieldwork journey was smooth and fulfilling. It could have been better if the
weather was in favor.
For the data, I believe the enumerators maintained utmost transparency and consistency for
which the quality of data should be high.