Chapter 10- Searching for Information with Field Research Methods

Chapter 10 is all about searching for information with field research methods. When should you use field research methods? You should use it if you can't find anything, or not enough work relevant to your topic. Field research is sometimes the best way to learn about an issue or collect information to support a position. You can use interviews to collect information by first deciding if you even want to conduct an interview. To plan your interview you must decide who is the best person/people to interview. Once you've decided that, you then need to write out a few questions. Choosing the right way to conduct your interview can be difficult, you can do it face to face, on the phone, and by email. You should decide the way you would like to take notes during the interview, you can record it, take notes, etc. To analyze your results you can look for new info, look for statements that confirm info from other sources, look for inconsistencies, or contradictions, etc. How can you use observation to collect information? You first plan your observation by deciding what you should observe and how often, what to looks for, and whether you need permission to observe. To conduct your observation some suggestions The Bedford Researcher suggests are to arrive early, review your planning notes, introduce yourself, set up your recording equipment, take notes, leave contact info, and send thank you notes. To analyze your results you should identify key features and patterns of behavior, identify key individuals and describe their actions, look for unusual and surprising patterns and actions, etc. To use surveys to collect information you must decide whom to survey, what to ask and how to ask it with integrity, whether you are asking your question clearly, and how to distribute your survey. How can you use correspondence to collect information? Correspondence refers to any textual communication, and can also take place through social media.