Field work

Pick a problem that you want to investigate

Pick a site where that problem can be studied

Make sure to pick a site that you would like to spend at least 6 months in

Apply for funding

Funding

Field work is expensive

1 year costs about 20,000 to 30,000 dollars depending on where your site is

Write a proposal to obtain money to finance your study

Funding agencies

National Science Foundation (NSF)

National Institute of Health (NIH)

Social Science Research Council (SSRC)

Fulbright

Fulbright-Hays

Wenner-Gren Foundation

Leakey Foundation

Proposals

Must convince the funding agency that your topic is important and that you are able to do it

A proposal should contain

aims, background to research, methods, significance of research to your field and to the people you study and a budget

IRB approval (from the university)

How your study will affect your informants and how you will protect their identity

Preparations

Apply for a research permit from the country you are going to

Apply for a visa

If possible, study the language spoken in the area

Find out what vaccinations you need

Get in shape

Packing

Equipment

Medicines and first aid material

Clothes

Music and books and treats

Photos of family and friends

After arriving in the country

Permits

state, regional and local

Introduce yourself and tell people what you will be doing at all levels

If possible, set up a bank account

Network

get to know people who are interested in your research

At your site

Talk to the local authorities about your research

Find a place to live

Get cooking utensils and food

Socialize, get to know people

Hire assistants

Culture shock

Disorientation and stress from being in an unfamiliar environment

Missing family and friends

normally no access to internet, letters can take months to reach you, telephone service can be sporadic

Generally also culture shock after return to home

Participation in community

Learning from the people at your site

Making friends

Helping with food preparation

Working with people at everyday chores

Providing assistance

Field methods

Observation

Photographs, videos and audio tapes

Interviews

Census

Identify key cultural consultants

Collect life histories

Collect oral histories

Field methods

Surveys

Mapping

Excavation

Collection of artifacts

Cataloging and analysis

Data recording

Help with research questions from assistants

Field methods

Field notes

Diary

If feasible, a lap top for data and statistics

A safe, easily accessible place to keep your data

Field reports

After returning

Compile and analyze data

Present your data at meetings

Write dissertation

Write papers for publication in scientific journals

Keep in touch with the people who became your friends when you did field work