![Descriptive information
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LEC 8. Field diary.pptx communication skills and personality development
- 1. Field diary
- 2. Content • Definition • Components to be included • Parts of field diary • Field diary in social sciences
- 3. FIELD DIARY - DEFINITION • The field diary is the basic document which contains all the data collected. • Record events • Facts and interpretations
- 4. Field diary? • Notebook used to document observations, data, and reflections made during field research or fieldwork, particularly in disciplines like natural sciences, social sciences, and education. • It's a personal record of the researcher's experience and interactions in the field. • Field diaries often include detailed descriptions of events, conversations, and the researcher's interpretations and reflections.
- 5. . • Field notes refer to qualitative notes recorded by scientists or researchers in the course of field research. • The notes are intended to be read as evidence that gives meaning and aids in the understanding of the phenomenon.
- 6. . Kinds of Field diary a)Taking notes on the spot b)Writing detailed diary
- 7. Daily field diary - should contains • a) Detailed notes of observations • b) Field notes on discussion and conversations • c) Details of Interpersonal communication, gossips, fold history’s similar events. • d) Specific details of special events
- 8. CHARACTERISTICS OF FIELD DAIRY • Be accurate • Be organized • Be descriptive. • Focus on the research problem. • Record insights and thoughts
- 9. COMPONENTS TO BE INCLUDED IN FIELD DIARY 1) Observations 2) Impressions
- 11. Observations • Observations should be objective, the documenter should only write down what she/he actually saw or heard. • Physical setting (Climate, geographic area and resources), • Demographics settings (area description, movement and general characteristics of people) and • Organizational setting (the different social levels in the system, the communication network and the degree of complexity in the social system). • The researcher also observes individuals, small groups, families ethnic groups, villages and government organizations.
- 12. Impressions • The subjective impressions of the documenter make up the second category in a field diary. • The researcher observes a bitter argument between two farmers about water distribution in a canal, she/he should write down what was actually seen and then write down his or her own impressions.
- 13. . • The researcher evaluate and give meaning to the observations. • Thus, impressions should be recorded for all observations. • As a result of recording impressions, new ideas may emerge that may lead to a better understanding. • Field notes can also include sketches, diagrams, and other drawings.
- 14. Parts of Field diary • Descriptive information • Reflective information
- 15. Descriptive information • in which you attempt to accurately document factual data [e.g., date and time] and the settings, actions, behaviors, and conversations that you observe.
- 16. . General guidelines for writing the Descriptive Content • The descriptive content of your notes can vary in detail depending upon what needs to be emphasized in order to address the research problem. However, in most observations, your notes should include at least some of the following elements: • Describe the physical setting. • Describe the social environment and the way in which participants interacted within the setting. • Describe the participants and their roles in the setting. • Describe, as best you can, the meaning of what was observed from the perspectives of the participants. • Record exact quotes or close approximations of comments that relate directly to the purpose of the study.
- 17. . • Reflective information: in which you record your thoughts, ideas, questions, and concerns as you are conducting the observation.
- 18. . General guidelines for writing the Reflective Content • You are the instrument of data gathering and interpretation. • reflective content can include - what you have observed based on your perspective and your own personal, cultural, and situational experiences. • Note ideas, impressions, thoughts, and/or any criticisms you have about what you observed. • any future observations.
- 19. Contd., • Include any unanswered questions or concerns that have arisen from analyzing the observation data. • Clarify points and/or correct mistakes and misunderstandings in other parts of field notes. • Record any thoughts that you may have regarding any future observations.
- 20. ANALYSIS OF YOUR FIELD DIARY • First, Preliminary analysis fosters self- reflection. • Self-reflection is crucial for facilitating deep understanding and meaning-making in any research study. • Identifying emergent themes while observing allows you to shift your attention in ways that can foster a more developed investigation.
- 21. FIELD DIARY IN SOCIAL SCIENCES • The most useful tool for a social scientist is a field diary. • It helps the investigator to understand the systems physical and social setting. • It helps describe who, what, why, where, when and how. • The purpose of a field report in the social sciences is to describe the observation of people, places, and/or events and to analyze that observation data in order to identify and categorize common themes in relation to the research problem underpinning the study.
- 22. . • Physical setting. • Objects and material culture. • Use of language. • Behavior cycles. • The order in which events unfold. • Physical characteristics of subjects. • Expressive body movements. • Brief notes about all of these examples contextualize your observations
- 23. • A field-diary is a permanent record of observations and, if it is to fulfill its purpose, it should be useful and understandable to others, perhaps long after the author is dead. • The field-diary is also a workbook in which your observational skills are repeatedly and continuously tested and sharpened.