1. T.M.KAMRUL HASAN

2. In this session I will discuss:

• Preparation for the fieldwork

• Dos and Donts in the field

• Returning from the field

3. Preparation for field work

• Depends on the type of research method

• Nature of the field

• Length of stay in the field

• Amount of data to be collected from the field

4. Preparation

• Choosing a field

• Knowing your Questionnaire

• Logistics

5. Choosing a field

• If possible, visit the field at the planning stage

• Try to get some contact

• Try to involve some local people

• Think about food, accommodation etc.

• Think about transport

• These are important for making a budget

6. Questionnaires

• Make sure you have the final version in hand

• Take some additional copies of Questionnaires

• Meeting with Research Assistant/Group about administering the questionnaire.

• Make sure each and every question is clear to the interviewer.

• Buy pen, pencil, eraser, additional notepad to be distributed among the interviewers.

• Take recorder, cassettes and batteries for recording

7. Other things to carry

• Cash

• Transport ticket

• Dry food

• Medicine

• Mobile charger

• Candle and Matches

• Aerosol/ mosquito net

• Umbrella

• Extra shoe/sandal

• Plastic bags

8. In the Field

• Arrival

• Interviewing

• Collecting other information

• At the end of the day

9. On Arrival

• The group will meet again

• Divide responsibility

• Distribute Questionnaires

• Dont forget your pen, pencil, eraser, note book, recorder and batteries

• Tag two people of your group together

• Ask your local contact to introduce you with research people

10. Interviewing

• One person will ask question, probe and prompt

• Another person will take notes and record the interview

• Introduce yourself and share your reasons of being there, what will be done with the data.

• Dont forget to ask permission for the interview.

• Allow yourself enough time with the interviewee.

• Be polite and show your interest to the topic and the interviewee

• Dont push too much on issues that the interviewee is not comfortable to give answer to

• Dont stop the interviewee when he/she try to elaborate on something.

• Dont forget to thank the interviewee at the end

11. Collating Other information

• Try to take an overview of the area by talking to local people informally

• Try to explore local institutions : school, college, banks, NGOs, hospital etc.

• Try to talk to school teacher, local UP members, and heads of the village

• Try to talk to women to maintain gender balance in the study

• Try to conform to the customs and culture of the area.

• Dont deny lunch/dinner or invitation in peoples place.

• Listen to all, watch everything and take notes.

• Strategically avoid the influence of the pressure groups.

12. At the end of the Day

• At the end of every day in the field the group will meet.

• Share and exchange views about the findings and will record it

• You may change any question which is not bringing expected results.

• You may add one or more questions

• Discuss your plan for the next day

13. Returning Home

• Make sure you have achieved your target before returning home.

• Allow yourself more days in the field if you feel it necessary.

• Dont hesitate if the situation demands packing up before all the interviews are completed.

• Dont worry if your findings appear different from what you have thought

• Dont forget to thank people for their time and support

• Leave behind good images so that you can always go back.

14. Before Analyzing Data

• Collect all the questionnaires from the group members

• Go through the filled up questionnaires

• Allow interviewees to check whether all answers are properly written and marked.

• Make transcripts of the recorded interviews