Field Investigation

We explain what field research is, its characteristics, types and methods. Also, how to design a field investigation.

Bronislaw Malinowski with natives on the Trobriand Islands
Field research is a fundamental tool for anthropology. (Image: London School of Economics Library Collections)
Summary of Contents

What is field research?

Field research It is that which is carried out within the natural or social environment where the phenomena that you wish to study occur. This type of research is based on observation and data collection in its real context.

The specific objective of a field investigation is obtain information directly from reality. Depending on the object of study, this can be done through direct observation, interviews, surveys or primary data collection.

Field investigations are common in the social sciences (anthropology, sociology, geography) as well as the natural sciences (biology, geology, botany). In addition, they are used in studies linked to the market, politics and other areas that require direct contact with the environment or the people studied.

Field research differs from other types of research, such as laboratory research, which replicates phenomena that occur in nature or society in a controlled environment, or documentary research, which is based on the study of a phenomenon through from written or audiovisual sources.

Origin of field research: Direct observation has been used since ancient times to study nature. However, field research was only formalized as a method in the 19th century, with the rise of the social and natural sciences. In legitimizing this type of research, the studies carried out by the natural scientist Charles Darwin (1809-1882) and the anthropologist Franz Boas (1858-1942) were fundamental.

Characteristics of field research

Among the main characteristics of field research are:

  • Direct observation It involves traveling to the place of study to directly observe the phenomenon analyzed.
  • Real environment. The object of study can be examined in its real context, allowing for a deeper understanding.
  • Generation of primary sources. Creates primary sources, since it works specifically on data collection through observation or direct interaction.
  • Methodical diversity. Different types of methods are used, such as interviews, surveys, participant and non-participant observation, and document analysis.
  • Flexibility and adaptation. It is usually more flexible than other types of research, since it allows the study design to be adapted according to what is discovered in the field.

Types of field research

The types of field research vary depending on the objectives of the study, the context, and the nature of the phenomenon being investigated. The choice depends on factors such as the depth of prior knowledge on the topic, the purpose of the research, and the resources available.

Among the most important types of field research are:

  • Exploratory field research It is used to investigate a new or little-known topic. Your goal is to gain a preliminary understanding and formulate more specific research questions. Methods such as interviews, pilot surveys and various observation techniques are used to generate hypotheses and define a more in-depth approach to the development of the study.
  • Descriptive field research. Its goal is to provide a detailed description of a phenomenon in its natural environment. Seeks to document characteristics and behaviors. Methods such as surveys, case studies, and systematic observation are used to capture an accurate picture of the object of study.
  • Explanatory field research. It focuses on understanding the causes and consequences of a phenomenon. It focuses on explaining why and how certain events occur. Use methods such as case studies and field experiments to analyze the relationship between variables.
  • Comparative field research Compare different groups, contexts or situations to identify similarities and differences. Its objective is to understand how phenomena vary in various environments. Observation techniques, surveys and case studies are used to make these comparisons.
  • Evaluative field research. It is aimed at assessing the effectiveness or impact of an intervention, program or project in a real context. Its purpose is to determine whether objectives have been achieved and what improvements can be made. Techniques such as satisfaction surveys and results analysis are used to measure the efficiency of interventions.
  • Applied field research. It focuses on solving practical problems and applying findings to real situations. Its objective is to offer solutions to problems or recommendations based on research. Methods such as intervention studies and impact analysis are used to address specific problems.

Field research methods

In field research, various methods are used to collect and analyze data in its natural environment. Among them are observation, interview, survey and experiments. Participatory techniques are also highlighted, which involve participants in the research process to address specific problems and generate changes in their contexts.

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1. Observation

The researcher is dedicated to observing the object or phenomenon of study. It is used to analyze behavior in its natural environment, such as in animal ethology or sociology. There are two forms of observation:

  • Participant observation. The researcher becomes involved in the group or phenomenon he studies. It is common in anthropology and sociology to better understand the internal dynamics of the group studied.
  • Non-participant observation. The researcher observes without getting involved in the group's activities. It is useful when you need to maintain greater objectivity and avoid influencing behavior.

2. Interview

Interviews are methods used to collect information through verbal interaction between the interviewer and the interviewee. They can have different approaches and formats:

  • Structured interview. This is a series of predefined questions, intended to obtain specific and comparable data. It is a common technique in surveys and market studies.
  • Semi-structured interview It is an interview that includes a guide of questions, but at the same time allows flexibility to explore the topics that arise. It is a technique used in qualitative studies to delve into experiences and opinions.
  • Unstructured interview. It is an open conversation without a fixed question format. This technique is appropriate for exploring individual perceptions and experiences in depth.
  • Group interview. It involves several participants and a specific topic is discussed under the guidance of a moderator. The researcher can observe interactions and reveal collective perspectives, social dynamics, and diverse points of view. It is especially used in market research, opinion studies and product evaluation.

3. Survey

Surveys are used to collect data from a sample of individuals using standardized questionnaires or forms. With this tool, you can obtain information about opinions, behaviors, attitudes or characteristics of a specific population. There are different types of surveys, depending on the responses you seek to obtain:

  • Closed survey. It has questions with predetermined answer options. Respondents choose among the alternatives the one that best reflects their opinion or situation. This format facilitates comparison and quantitative analysis of data, and is common in market and opinion studies.
  • Open survey. It allows free responses, in which respondents can express their opinions in their own words. It is useful for delving into certain types of information, but its analysis can be more complex due to the variety of responses.
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On the other hand, depending on the way in which they are carried out, the following types of surveys are distinguished:

  • In-person survey. It is done face to face, which allows the interviewer to clarify doubts and adapt the questions based on the respondent's answers. It is ideal for analyzing detailed responses, but is more expensive and time-consuming.
  • Telephone survey. It is done over the phone and is relatively quick and inexpensive. It allows you to contact a large number of people, although it offers less depth than face-to-face surveys.
  • Online survey. It is distributed through digital platforms, such as emails or social networks. It is low cost and can reach large numbers of people quickly, but it is more impersonal and subject to technological and access limitations.

4. Experiments

Experiments are used to investigate cause and effect relationships between different variables, through controlled manipulation of factors. There are different types of experiments that are applied in field research, including:

  • Field experiment Tests are carried out in the natural environment, where the researcher manipulates variables in real conditions. It is often used in sociology and behavioral studies.
  • Independent Group Design. Two or more groups receiving different treatments or interventions are compared. Participants are randomly assigned to different groups to compare the effects of the different conditions. This design is common in medical and psychological research.
  • Repeated measures design. Participants are exposed to different conditions or treatments at different times. It allows us to observe how responses change over time in the same group of individuals. It is used in developmental studies and in research on the effectiveness of long-term interventions.

5. Participatory action

Participatory techniques focus on actively involving participants in the research process, in order to address and solve specific problems within their own contexts. These techniques not only seek to generate knowledge, but also promote practical and significant changes at the community level. Among the most important are:

  • Participatory action research (PAR). It is a collaborative method that involves participants in the research process to analyze and solve specific problems in their own communities.
  • Focus group. These are group meetings led by a moderator to discuss specific topics and gain collective perspectives. It is used to collect opinions and generate discussions on particular topics in a group.

How to carry out field research?

Field research involves a series of steps to collect and analyze data directly in the context of the phenomenon studied. Among its main stages are the following:

A. Definition of the problem. Identify and define the problem or phenomenon to be investigated. Specific research questions should be formulated and the objectives of the study established. This implies:

  • Review the existing bibliography on the topic.
  • Identify knowledge gaps.
  • Define the purpose and scope of the research.
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B. Study design Plan how the research will be carried out and select the methods and techniques that will be used. For this you must:

  • Choose data collection methods (observation, interviews, surveys).
  • Design collection instruments (questionnaires, interview guides).
  • Determine the sample and study site.

C. Preparation and training. Prepare researchers and participants for the time of data collection. For this you must:

  • Train the work team in data collection techniques and ethics.
  • Carry out pilot tests to adjust instruments and methods.
  • Coordinate logistics and obtain the necessary permits.

D. Data collection. Collect data in the field using selected methods and previously designed tools. This implies:

  • Conduct observations, interviews, surveys or other techniques, depending on the study design.
  • Record and store data systematically.
  • Confirm validity and accuracy in data collection.

E. Data analysis. Examine and process collected data to draw conclusions and answer research questions. This implies:

  • Codify and organize data.
  • Use statistical or qualitative techniques to analyze the information.
  • Interpret the results in the context of the problem investigated.

F. Presentation of results. Communicate research findings clearly and effectively. This implies:

  • Write reports with results, analysis and conclusions.
  • Prepare presentations for different audiences.
  • Propose recommendations based on the findings.

G. Reflection and evaluation. Evaluate the research process, reflect on the results, and consider implications for future research. For this you must:

  • Review the data collection and analysis process.
  • Identify lessons learned and areas for improvement.
  • Consider the impact and practical applications of the results.

See also: Scientific research

Advantages and disadvantages of field research

Field research offers a number of advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when evaluating its applicability in a study. This type of research provides an authentic and rich view of the phenomenon studied by collecting data in its natural context, allowing for a deep and detailed understanding. However, it also presents challenges, such as the difficulty in controlling all external variables and the possible impact of the researcher's direct interaction on the participants' behavior.

The main advantages and disadvantages of field research are summarized as follows:

Advantages Disadvantages
natural context It offers an authentic and real vision of the phenomenon studied. It can be difficult to control external variables.
Data collection Allows you to obtain data directly from the environment. Collection can be more laborious and extensive than in other types of research.
Direct interaction Facilitates understanding perspectives and experiences from within. The researcher can influence the development of the phenomenon studied.
Flexibility Allows you to adapt techniques according to the context and emerging findings. Changes on the fly can affect the consistency and certainty of results.
Generalization of results You can provide specific data that is relevant to the case studied. The results may not be generalizable to other contexts or populations.

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References

  • Baena Paz, G. (2014). Research methodology. Patria Publishing Group.
  • Escudero Sánchez, CL and Cortez Suárez, LA (2018). Introduction to scientific research. In Qualitative techniques and methods for scientific research (pp. 12-25). UTMACH Editions.
  • Hernández Sampieri, R., Fernández Collado, C and Baptista Lucio, P. (1991). Definition of the type of research to be carried out. Research methodology. McGraw-Hill.
  • Mora Ledesma, M and Sepúlveda, P. (1999). What is research? In Research methodology (pp. 97-108). Limusa.
  • Morlote, N and Celiseo, R. (2004). Research methodology. Logbook. McGraw-Hill.
  • Sabino, C. (1992). The research process. Panapo.
  • Sanmartin Arce, R. (2000). The interview in field work. Journal of Social Anthropology, 9105-126.

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