INTRODUCTION TO FIELD WORK
What is Field work?
Field work is the process of observing and collecting data about people, cultures, and natural environments. Field work is conducted in the wild of our everyday surroundings rather than in the semi-controlled environments of a lab or classroom.
Fieldwork is the placement of students in real-world situations in which to learn about specified content. Examples can include botanical data gathering in a field, library research, student teaching, etc.
Fieldwork can employ a number of different data sources and methods for collecting this data. These can include participant observation and the taking of field notes, informal and/or formal interviews, video-recording, sketching and the reviewing of local documentation.
Field Work Tools
Fieldwork tools can range from simple items like pencils and notebooks to more specialized equipment like soil samplers or weather instruments. Examples include
measuring tools (tape measures, rulers, clinometers),
observation tools (cameras, binoculars, magnifying glasses),
sampling tools (soil augers, core samplers), and
data recording tools (notebooks, tablets, GPS devices).
Specific tools depend on the field of study, but common tools also include
hand tools (shovels, trowels, hammers),
safety gear (first aid kits, hard hats), and
communication devices (radios, phones).
Field Sketches
Field work sketches of sites are visual records, often simplified drawings, used to document and analyze landscapes or specific areas during fieldwork. They help to capture details that might be missed in photographs and provide a personal, interpretive record of the observed environment. These sketches often include annotations, labels, and notes to clarify features and observations.
Primary Source of Geographical Data
In geography, a primary source is an original document or material created during the time or event being studied, providing firsthand information. Examples include field notes, maps, satellite images, census data, and photographs taken at the location of interest. These sources offer direct evidence about geographical phenomena and are crucial for research and analysis.
Secondary Source of Geographical Data
In geography, a secondary source is information that has been compiled, interpreted, or analyzed by someone who did not directly experience or collect the original data. These sources are often one or more steps removed from the primary event or data and can include textbooks, journal articles, documentaries, and maps created after the fact.
Gathering Information Through Surveying - counting and measuring.
Examples:
1. Counting Individuals or Objects: number of a plant species; number of car brands, number of wild dogs; etc
2. Counting Events or Occurrences: number of dry days, number of rainy days, number of earthquakes, number of births in a day, etc
3. Measuring horizontal and vertical distances and angles, using tools like tapes, theodolites, and GPS
Interviews and Questionnaires
An information gathering interview, also known as an informational interview, is a conversation where you seek advice and insights about a specific career field or industry from someone working in that area. It's not a job interview, but a chance to learn about their experiences, challenges, and advice for those interested in the field.
A questionnaire is a research instrument consisting of a set of questions used to gather information from individuals. It's a tool for collecting data on various topics, such as attitudes, experiences, or opinions, and can be used in surveys, research studies, or to collect feedback. Questionnaires can be administered in different formats, including paper-based, online, or through interviews.