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Preparing for fieldwork
Preparing for fieldwork
In our fieldwork study of place and cultural change we will be acquiring primary data to describe the factors that have influenced the cultural identity of Marrickville over time, the perceptions of and responses to cultural change, and opportunities for enhancing environmental sustainability and human wellbeing.
This section will guide students through the development of fieldwork inquiry questions and considerations that need to be made when planning urban fieldwork including the methodologies that are used to collect data and the practicalities of the day and personal preparation.
Time allocation - approx. 60 minutes
Learning intentions
Learning intentions
We are learning to:
select and use appropriate techniques for fieldwork investigations
prepare for outdoor fieldwork experiences.
Success criteria
Success criteria
I can:
describe fieldwork methods used in urban places.
identify ethical practices for fieldwork.
identify what I need to take and wear to keep me safe and comfortable.
Acquiring primary data
Acquiring primary data
You will use specialised fieldwork instruments to acquire primary data.
Fieldwork provides opportunities for students to collect both quantitative and/or qualitative data and information. During your fieldwork investigation, you will:
collect qualitative data through taking photos and writing notes.
collect quantitative data by counting and measuring cultural characteristics.
Activity 1 - Urban sampling methods
Activity 1 - Urban sampling methods
Student tasks
Access the resource to familiarise yourself with the urban fieldwork methods below.
Part A - Random sampling
During our fieldwork, we will be conducting random sampling to acquire primary data on the cultural characteristics of Marrickville.
Define random sampling. Identify the advantages of random sampling compared to systematic sampling.
Outline three different ways that random sampling can be conducted in an urban environment.
Part B - Questionnaires
We will be using questionnaires to survey people on their perceptions and responses to culture and cultural change in Marrickville.
Describe the features of an effective questionnaire.
Develop a questionnaire consisting of 10 questions/statements which can be used to understand people's perceptions of cultural continuity and change in Marrickville. In your questionnaire, you must use a combination of open questions, closed questions and statements (e.g. Likert Scale).
Activity 2 - Photography
Activity 2 - Photography
During our fieldwork, we will be taking photographs as a means of acquiring primary data.
Student task
Access the resource to familiarise yourself with different types of photographs and ways we can interpret them.
Brainstorm a list of ways ground photographs can be used to obtain information about place and culture.
Activity 3 - Ethical considerations (optional)
Activity 3 - Ethical considerations (optional)
Student tasks
Identify ethical considerations specific to conducting fieldwork in urban environments.
Create a T-chart outlining how each consideration will be addressed during your fieldwork.
Personal preparation for fieldwork
Personal preparation for fieldwork
Activity 4 - Getting ready
Activity 4 - Getting ready
Student task
View the Preparing for your secondary excursion video.
Create a packing list for your fieldwork excursion.
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