WRITING FIELD NOTES

IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Field notes are the researcher's written record of
 observations
 experiences
 insights
while in the field conducting research.
They can help you get a better idea of what's happening
in the research field, the small stuff that matters, and the
big questions you need to figure out.

Field notes generally consists of two parts

1. Descriptive : This part consists of factual data
2. Reflective : This part consists of thoughts, ideas,
questions and concerns during observations
1. Accurate : You might only get one opportunity to capture a moment
in time, so before you start recording, practice recording in a place that
feels like your observation spot in terms of how many people are there,
what kind of environment you're in, and what kind of social scene
you're in. This way, you'll be able to create your own style for recording
quickly and accurately.
2. Focused : Since you can't capture everything you see, concentrate on
getting the most important details that are relevant to the research
issue.
3. Descriptive : Use descriptive words/terms to record what you
observe. It means giving yourself enough facts so that when you write
your final report, you don't have to guess what you meant.
4. Contains insights and thoughts : While you’re taking notes,
consider the meaning of what you’re seeing and write it down. To avoid
any misunderstandings, follow-up comments from your participants
should be separate, self-referential, and not combined with descriptive
comments in your field notes.
 Field notes should include a wide range of data,
such as what you observed, heard and thought
during your field research.
 It may include descriptions of individuals, events,
and interactions.
 It may also include your own thoughts, queries
and ideas as they come to you as a result of
what you are seeing.
 Field notes may also include sketches, diagrams,
or other visual materials that aid in capturing the
research setting
 They may include details of specific events,
occurrences, or incidents that you find interesting
or that demonstrate the phenomenon you are
investigating.
 The main goal of a field note is to give an
accurate and detailed overview of the research
environment and what's going on.
 Field notes provide the data base for analysis,
enabling researchers to review their observations,
think about them, and gain important insights
and interpretations.
 Field notes not only capture what people say,
but also how they say it, how people talk to each
other, and what kind of environment they're in.
This helps make sure that the analysis and
findings are based on the people's experiences
in the real world.