Helpful fieldwork tips
I recently did a presentation on my work in Brazil at Pacifica Graduate Institute. Here are some helpful hints to students considering fieldwork, based on my experiences:
Preparing for Field Work
I. Dissertation Clock – Do not start the clock until at least 3 months after you return from the field. Give ample time to readjust to the “old” and “familiar” that will seem extra strange upon your re-entry. Also, don’t start the clock later than 6 months after because your passion and purpose may fizzle out.
II. Scholars Who Have Studied in your Field – Early on in your research planning phase, look up any published (books, dissertations, articles) scholars who have already done work in the same or similar area. Their work will help inspire and guide your own field work study. Email them (I don’t recommend calling them) and ask if they can share any advice or contacts they have in that area. I found most other scholars to be extremely generous and helpful no matter how busy they were. Many were happy to know that other scholars, such as myself, were moved by their research and writing. Be sure to actually read their work before emailing them.
III. Grants/Funding – Try applying for grants as soon as possible. Since they are extremely competitive and difficult to get, do not depend on this money to come through. Have a financial back-up plan, i.e. help from family, educational loans, work extra hours and save money. Find out if your ATM will work or other methods that someone can get money to you in an emergency.
IV. Contacts in the Field - Have as many solid contacts as possible, and try to set up meetings before arriving in the field. Even if you have only one, it will help. Also, make at least one contact with another university scholar in the area, if possible.
V. Cell phone/Communications – I had a difficult time meeting with people in Brazil because I opted to use public telephones, Skype (internet phone) and email. This created undue delays. The cost effective way to do this is to rent a cell phone in the area that you are doing field work. Of course, if you’re working in a small village this won’t be necessary.
VI. Languages – If you are doing work in another country and you don’t speak the language, begin studying at least 8 months before leaving. I started 5 months before and I wasn’t fluent enough to be able to communicate effectively. Even if you’re semi-fluent in the language, arrange for a translator/interpreter to go to your first two or three interviews. You can always try on your own later, after the assimilation process into the new culture is well under way. Be sure to budget for the costs associated with translators and interpreters.
VII. Housing – Housing options vary from place to place. Laura suggested that I contact an American school in the area (you can do a Google search for “American schools” along with the name of your fieldwork area). This turned out to be a fantastic idea and I was offered very nice, and inexpensive accommodations.
VIII. Ethics Application – The Ethics Application (Form 6) is a Pacifica pre-requisite to doing any work in the field with subjects. See your Dissertation Handbook for the details/examples and plan to turn it in at least one month before you leave for the field.
IX. Consent Forms – Consent forms need to be filled out by anyone you formally interview. This is an excellent way to inform the interviewee of how you will utilize their information in your work. See your Dissertation Handbook for samples. If you have any “casual” conversations and find that there is a great deal of material to use for your dissertation, immediately ask the informant for a formal sit-down interview to go over the details and elaborate on the conversation. Have them sign the consent form.
X. Equipment/Recording/Taking Notes – Having a recording device for interviews is essential. Be sure to ask the informant if they are comfortable with being audio or video taped. Due to the sacred dimension of religious rituals it is usually forbidden to audio and video tape as well as take pictures. If you wish to record a ritual, ask first. Once, I was scowled at while writing notes on a small notepad during a religious ritual – and I was sitting all the way in the back row thinking I was invisible. It takes time to build trust and relationships, and just one second to dissolve them.
XI. Socio-Political Climate/Topography/Weather – Study the history and current political events of the region where you will study. Bring the correct clothing for the temperature and style of the area. Sometimes it is better to purchase most of your clothing in the region after you get there. You will fit in much more and be extra comfortable.
XII. Register with the Local Consulate – Most countries have a U.S. consulate office. If you plan to stay longer than 3 months, register upon your arrival. They can keep copies of your passport in case of an emergency. Plus, in the event of a political or natural disaster you can be found.
XIII. Psychological – Doing field work is extremely taxing and can bring you to the “edge” mentally, emotionally and physically. Be sure to schedule ample downtime while in the field to restore yourself and to keep from burning out. Journaling is great too. If you are so inclined, try finding a good therapist to work on your “stuff” before you depart.
XIV. Expectations – In general, most things will not proceed as you have planned! Be flexible in your research as you may discover new and interesting aspects of your study while in the field. Try to be as open to the strange, the foreign, the “other” as possible. Again, building trust in relationships takes a good amount of time. Sometimes it is necessary to make more than one trip to the field.
XV. Continued Contact with Informants - Once you return home, continue to communicate with your informants whenever possible to keep continuity and to help them feel appreciated and not used. They are an integral part of your study and must be treated with the respect they deserve. Not all informants want to participate continually in your study. Ask if you can contact them again in the future and if they would like a copy of their interview transcript. This will immediately build their confidence in your professionalism and integrity as a scholar.
XVI. Field Notes & Writing – Try to take copious notes whenever you can to describe the scenes and the people you encounter each day. Even during interviews, be aware of body language, and gestures that may reveal subtle, yet important pieces of information. Check in and reflect on how you felt while being with the different people encountered in the field. Writing an ethnography takes a lot of time. Try to begin writing during the field work and expect to take months to finish reflecting, writing and revising the ethnographic texts.
Preparing for Field Work
I. Dissertation Clock – Do not start the clock until at least 3 months after you return from the field. Give ample time to readjust to the “old” and “familiar” that will seem extra strange upon your re-entry. Also, don’t start the clock later than 6 months after because your passion and purpose may fizzle out.
II. Scholars Who Have Studied in your Field – Early on in your research planning phase, look up any published (books, dissertations, articles) scholars who have already done work in the same or similar area. Their work will help inspire and guide your own field work study. Email them (I don’t recommend calling them) and ask if they can share any advice or contacts they have in that area. I found most other scholars to be extremely generous and helpful no matter how busy they were. Many were happy to know that other scholars, such as myself, were moved by their research and writing. Be sure to actually read their work before emailing them.
III. Grants/Funding – Try applying for grants as soon as possible. Since they are extremely competitive and difficult to get, do not depend on this money to come through. Have a financial back-up plan, i.e. help from family, educational loans, work extra hours and save money. Find out if your ATM will work or other methods that someone can get money to you in an emergency.
IV. Contacts in the Field - Have as many solid contacts as possible, and try to set up meetings before arriving in the field. Even if you have only one, it will help. Also, make at least one contact with another university scholar in the area, if possible.
V. Cell phone/Communications – I had a difficult time meeting with people in Brazil because I opted to use public telephones, Skype (internet phone) and email. This created undue delays. The cost effective way to do this is to rent a cell phone in the area that you are doing field work. Of course, if you’re working in a small village this won’t be necessary.
VI. Languages – If you are doing work in another country and you don’t speak the language, begin studying at least 8 months before leaving. I started 5 months before and I wasn’t fluent enough to be able to communicate effectively. Even if you’re semi-fluent in the language, arrange for a translator/interpreter to go to your first two or three interviews. You can always try on your own later, after the assimilation process into the new culture is well under way. Be sure to budget for the costs associated with translators and interpreters.
VII. Housing – Housing options vary from place to place. Laura suggested that I contact an American school in the area (you can do a Google search for “American schools” along with the name of your fieldwork area). This turned out to be a fantastic idea and I was offered very nice, and inexpensive accommodations.
VIII. Ethics Application – The Ethics Application (Form 6) is a Pacifica pre-requisite to doing any work in the field with subjects. See your Dissertation Handbook for the details/examples and plan to turn it in at least one month before you leave for the field.
IX. Consent Forms – Consent forms need to be filled out by anyone you formally interview. This is an excellent way to inform the interviewee of how you will utilize their information in your work. See your Dissertation Handbook for samples. If you have any “casual” conversations and find that there is a great deal of material to use for your dissertation, immediately ask the informant for a formal sit-down interview to go over the details and elaborate on the conversation. Have them sign the consent form.
X. Equipment/Recording/Taking Notes – Having a recording device for interviews is essential. Be sure to ask the informant if they are comfortable with being audio or video taped. Due to the sacred dimension of religious rituals it is usually forbidden to audio and video tape as well as take pictures. If you wish to record a ritual, ask first. Once, I was scowled at while writing notes on a small notepad during a religious ritual – and I was sitting all the way in the back row thinking I was invisible. It takes time to build trust and relationships, and just one second to dissolve them.
XI. Socio-Political Climate/Topography/Weather – Study the history and current political events of the region where you will study. Bring the correct clothing for the temperature and style of the area. Sometimes it is better to purchase most of your clothing in the region after you get there. You will fit in much more and be extra comfortable.
XII. Register with the Local Consulate – Most countries have a U.S. consulate office. If you plan to stay longer than 3 months, register upon your arrival. They can keep copies of your passport in case of an emergency. Plus, in the event of a political or natural disaster you can be found.
XIII. Psychological – Doing field work is extremely taxing and can bring you to the “edge” mentally, emotionally and physically. Be sure to schedule ample downtime while in the field to restore yourself and to keep from burning out. Journaling is great too. If you are so inclined, try finding a good therapist to work on your “stuff” before you depart.
XIV. Expectations – In general, most things will not proceed as you have planned! Be flexible in your research as you may discover new and interesting aspects of your study while in the field. Try to be as open to the strange, the foreign, the “other” as possible. Again, building trust in relationships takes a good amount of time. Sometimes it is necessary to make more than one trip to the field.
XV. Continued Contact with Informants - Once you return home, continue to communicate with your informants whenever possible to keep continuity and to help them feel appreciated and not used. They are an integral part of your study and must be treated with the respect they deserve. Not all informants want to participate continually in your study. Ask if you can contact them again in the future and if they would like a copy of their interview transcript. This will immediately build their confidence in your professionalism and integrity as a scholar.
XVI. Field Notes & Writing – Try to take copious notes whenever you can to describe the scenes and the people you encounter each day. Even during interviews, be aware of body language, and gestures that may reveal subtle, yet important pieces of information. Check in and reflect on how you felt while being with the different people encountered in the field. Writing an ethnography takes a lot of time. Try to begin writing during the field work and expect to take months to finish reflecting, writing and revising the ethnographic texts.
