GSSR Research Methodology and Methods of Social Inquiry socialinquiry.wordpress

1. GSSR Research Methodology and Methods of Social Inquiry www.socialinquiry.wordpress.com December 20, 2011 Field Methods

2. broad approach to qualitative research • method of gathering qualitative data As a research approach: • attempt to develop an understanding of human behavior as it is defined by the subjects themselves and/or as it is related to the situation in which the behavior occurs. Observation yields the fundamental data

3. Essential: - the researcher goes "into the field" to observe the phenomenon in the natural social setting familiar to the subject. Observations are purposive and systematic

4. When to do it? - the object of study is a rapidly changing/dynamic situation; (how people cope with aftermath of natural disaster) - it is essential to preserve the interrelatedness of the person and situation; (study a prison as an institution) - methodological problems, resources, or ethics preclude other research strategies/approaches; - when very little is known about the topic under investigation.

5. Sampling in Field Research Non-random selection of small number of settings and subjects. Enhance the informational value of evidence by maximizing variation. 2 main variables to vary: time & space Sampling Strategies: - serial selection of sample units; - sampling analytical dimensions relevant to the study.

6. Data Collection Methods • firsthand observation = core to field research Unstructured vs. structured observation Less structured observation in the early phases of research; Highly structured: specify when & where observations will take place; who will make the observations; what will be observed.

7. Participant vs. Non-Participant Observation Participant Observation - participation is a matter of degree • balancing the requirements of both participating and observing; Non-Participant Observation - often used in combination with participant observation; - the observer strives to be as unobtrusive as possible, to not bias the observations. - more detached perspective; - more focused than participant observation.

8. Stages of Fieldwork 1. Selecting appropriate setting 2. Gaining access 3. Presenting oneself to those in the setting (possible ethical problems)

9. 4 & 5. Gathering & Analyzing information - mental notes & field jottings to record detailed field notes as soon after the observation as possible; - in addition to observation, question participants and consult records and personal documents; - develop rich description of events that conveys the experience of someone who “was there”. • throughout the process of gathering information, develop concepts & tentative hypotheses to make sense of the data Aids to identifying patterns and gaining insights: - coding field notes, - writing memos, - asking questions & counting. Important: have alternative explanations & perform various validity checks

10. Field Interviewing Supplements field observation by asking about: - unobserved events, - different perspectives on events, - informants’ thoughts and feelings. Informal interviews, in ordinary conversation; Formal, in-depth interviews, with help of interview guide. The order of questions & exact wording depends on the background of informant and the general course of the conversation.

11. Advantages (A) & Weaknesses (W) of the Field Research Strategy A: - unobtrusive; - allows for theory building; - works well in combination with other research methods W: - (very) time consuming; - data are limited: observations in few settings, & highly dependent on the observational skills of the researcher(s) Problems with vaildity and reliability