Writer's Blog: Chapter 10

In chapter 10, we will continue gathering information on how to collect information just like we did in chapter 8. In this chapter however, we will learn how to search for information using field research methods. A field research is a primary source because you aren't using other people's interpretations or observations, you are creating your own. Field search methods can include interviews, direct observations, and surveys. You can use field research methods if published sources you have found do not look at your issue in the way you find helpful or in the same perspective, if the issue is considered "finalized" by most people, if you are considering a part of an issue that hasn't been dealt with yet, or if you need to strengthen your argument.

Using an interview to collect information is one method of field research. Some people do interviews because they need another point of view and some people do interviews to add another source to their paper. You must first decide who you are going to interview. it can be a professor, government official, someone affected by your issue, or someone who is involved with your issue. Once you figure out who to interview, decide when and where to interview and how you will interview. Will it be a face-to-face interview, a phone interview, or an exchange of emails. Also, will you take notes or use a recorder during the interview? Also prepare by figuring out what kind of questions you will ask. Will you be asking for facts or opinions? Ask more elaborate questions than just yes or no questions and also come up with some follow-up questions. Next, you will conduct the interview. Make sure you thank he or she with a thank you note or message. Lastly, analyze your results by looking for new information or ideas, statements that can support your side, any contradictions in the interview, ask if the person interviewed seemed as knowledgable as you thought, and any other statements you find helpful.

Another method in field research is an observation. After deciding that you indeed want to observe an event or setting, plan your observation. Where will you make your observations? You may consider making observations at more than one place. For example if you are making observations of elderly in a nursing home you may find it useful to observe more than one nursing home. Make sure you know what you are looking for or wanting to gain in your observation so that you can focus on one thing. before making observations, find out if you need permission (some places require permission). Next, you will actually do the observation. Here is a checklist that the book gives you when conducting an observation:

• Arrive early
• Look over your planning notes
• introduce yourself if you have chose to observe somewhere you need permission
• set up recording equipment (pen, paper, video camera, etc)
• Take notes
• leave contact info and make sure to send thank you notes if you have asked permission

To analyze your results of an observation use them just as you would when analyzing other sources. Identify key ideas or information that will help you, any problems you find, anything new you didn't know before, patterns, and make sure you are "confident enough about the results of your analysis" (192) to help you with your paper. 

Surveys are another method used in field research. They are usually used to find out beliefs or attitudes from groups of people to answer "what" or "why" questions. When planning your survey, determine who you are going to survey. You may choose representatives of a larger group and pick those representatives randomly. Next, you will figure out what to ask and how to ask it. make sure not to influence the surveyors answers somehow in your survey questions. Also make sure that your question(s) makes sense. Then, you can distribute your surveys. Online-based surveys are popular because they are easy to conduct, but a lot of times, only a certain group of people - those interested in the topic - will partake in the survey. paper surveys are very useful if you are in a position where you can bring them somewhere to be distributed. Phone surveys are not reliable because not many people respond to them and sometimes they are even prohibited by laws. Conduct your survey and then analyze the results. The easiest way to do this is to create a spreadsheet, according to this book. Look for trends or patterns, similarities, and surprising results in your data. 

Another method for field research discussed in this chapter is correspondence. "Correspondence includes any textual communication, such as letters, faxes, and email....[as well as on] social networking sites such as Facebook." (197) Correspondence can be very helpful when done with experts on your issue, but it can also be done with other people, such as people who are involved in your issue. When corresponding, introduce yourself, ask clear questions, and thank your reader/replier. 

The last method used in this chapter for field research is public events and broadcast media. It can include lectures, conferences, meetings, hearings, radio, and television. You can use video recording devices and take notes when collecting information from these sources.

This chapter will help me when I need more sources or information for my paper. It was interesting to read all of the different methods there are in field research and I will definitely be using some of the suggestions.