Field notes

1. Field notes MoPH/WHO Presented by: Dr. S. Parwiz

2. Objectives • To enable the interviewer to take rich field notes, manage and communicate these field notes in the proper way. • By the end of this session participants will be able to: • Know what field notes means? • Know what raw field notes means and how to take raw field notes? • How to convert raw field notes into expanded field notes? • How to manage field notes?

3. What are field notes • The information collected during an interview in the selected interview site, in the form of raw and expended notes are termed as field notes. • Field notes will be in 2 different stages • Raw field notes • Expanded field notes

4. Field notes process Generating Raw Field Notes Notebook for raw filed notes These notes are taken during the interview Writing Expanded Field Notes Write up immediately after interview/observation Hand write clearly in notebook for expanded notes Or, Type up expended notes, if possible Managing Field Notes Notebooks, Files

5. Raw notes is a series of cue words that capture the key points made by the responder. • These are the key words of the sentence that will help an interviewer in writing the expanded notes • These should reflects and memorize what the informants said during the interview

6. Notes • Write ‘raw notes’ in a notebook in the field • Record questions as well as answers in notebook • Use local language and write exact phrase/words used by responder (local sayings/words) • Keep key terms.

7. Notes • Jot down cue words or phrases • Usually not word for word, with the exception of important quotes • Cue words help you remember what was said when you write expanded notes • Skip non-essential words that may distract you from the important points • If one person is facilitating the activity and another recording it, the recorder can take more extensive notes

8. Writing expanded field note Allocate time the same day (immediately following the field) 1. Identification and contextual information • Identify topic, date, informant • Description of setting and informant • Include contextual information 2. Main body of expanded notes • The largest section • the main content of the interview • Scripting method preferred

9. Managing field notes • Keep all field notes under lock and key • Don't show your field notes to anyone except the Key informant and your immediate supervisor. • Write expanded field notes in secure places • Keep these notes in files and notes book • Hand over your field notes to your supervisor on daily basis

10. Thank you!