SOAN 2120 Chapter : field research
21 Dec 2011
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Document Summary
Involves looking at things from multiple viewpoints in order to grasp different perspectives. Flexibility: rarely follow fixed steps, thus flexibility is needed in order to switch direction and follow leads, adjust to new situations and seize opportunities. Getting organized: review literature, begin with a general topic, not a specific thesis, attention must be paid to detail, short term memory is important. 3 things to consider when picking a site: richness of data, unfamiliarity, suitability. Level of involvement: detached outsider < - - - - - - - - - - > intimately involved insider: the level of involvement depends on negotiations with members, field setting and personal comfort. Each level has advantages and disadvantages: gate keeper: someone with formal or informal authority to control access to a site. Informal sites rarely have gate keepers vs. formal ones which often due. Jotted notes: short, temporary memory triggers (notes are taken after leaving the field) verbatim, who, what, when, where, how ,why.
