Putting together a research "kit"

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.