Field notes

Definition

Field notes are detailed written accounts that researchers collect during or after observations in qualitative research settings. They serve as an essential tool for capturing the nuances of social interactions, environmental context, and participant behavior, providing depth and richness to the analysis of stratification and social dynamics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Field notes often include not just what was said, but also descriptions of body language, emotions, and the surrounding environment to give context to the observations.
2. These notes are typically written soon after an observation session to ensure accuracy and capture fresh impressions while they are still vivid.
3. Field notes can be structured or unstructured, depending on the research goals, allowing for flexibility in capturing both specific details and broader themes.
4. They are vital for triangulating data from other sources such as interviews or archival materials, helping researchers build a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
5. In qualitative research on stratification, field notes help reveal underlying social dynamics, power relations, and cultural practices that quantitative methods might overlook.

Review Questions

• How do field notes enhance the understanding of social stratification in qualitative research?
  • Field notes provide a rich narrative that captures the complexities of social interactions and contexts that quantitative data might miss. By documenting details like participant behaviors, environmental cues, and emotional responses, researchers gain insights into the lived experiences of individuals within different social strata. This depth allows for a more nuanced analysis of how stratification operates on a daily basis.
• In what ways do field notes differ from interview transcripts in qualitative research?
  • Field notes are observational accounts made during or after an event that encompass a wider range of context, including non-verbal cues and environmental factors. In contrast, interview transcripts focus specifically on verbal interactions between the researcher and participants. While both are valuable for understanding social dynamics, field notes provide a broader perspective on the setting in which social interactions occur.
• Evaluate the role of field notes in contributing to triangulation within qualitative research methodologies focused on stratification.
  • Field notes play a crucial role in triangulation by offering an additional layer of data that complements interviews and other qualitative methods. This multi-source approach helps to validate findings by cross-referencing different types of information. When analyzing stratification, combining insights from field notes with those from interviews allows researchers to paint a fuller picture of how social hierarchies are constructed and maintained within specific contexts.

Related terms

ethnography: A qualitative research method focused on studying cultures and communities through immersive observation and participation.

interview transcripts: Written records of verbal interviews conducted with participants, capturing their responses and perspectives in qualitative research.

observational research: A research method where the investigator observes subjects in their natural environment without manipulation or intervention.