So you're ready to begin your field research. Before you start, put together a research kit that you'll bring to each site visit. This kit should contain the following:
- Consent forms. Bring at least two copies for each participant, since you'll want to leave a copy with them.
- IRB proposal. Even though participants won't necessarily want to look at this, you might use it to consult your methodology or discuss the IRB process with a skeptical site contact.
- Research instruments/protocol.
- Notepads. Bring these even if you plan to type notes on your laptop. Laptops die sometimes.
- Pens. Bring lots of pens. You'll need people to sign forms, and you might also need them to take field notes. I usually carry at least two different colors - black or blue for field notes, red for circling unusual things I want to ask about later.
- Sticky notes. These have many uses, especially for labeling artifacts you pick up.
- Folders. For carrying your documents and for storing texts you pick up on site. Create separate folders for artifacts and for signed consent forms.
- Electronic data collection devices. These could be separate devices or an all-in-one device (laptop, netbook, smartphone). I suggest carrying backup devices. These should handle the following:
- Voice recorder. For interviews.
- Batteries and/or charger. For the voice recorder and other devices.
- Digital camera. For snapping quick pictures of the workspace layout and of specific artifacts.
- Calendar or list of participants and dates. So you can reschedule on the fly if you need to.
- Contact information. At minimum, keep a site contact name and phone number in case you're delayed. Preferably, keep contact information for every participant you're planning to visit.
I suggest putting your "kit" in an accordion folder or bag and label it on the outside so you know at a glance what it is.
Since your kit will contain sensitive information (signed consent forms, contact information, calendar), keep it in your sight or lock it up.