Introduction to Field Research Methods
| Numbering Code |
G-ECON31 5A418 LE43 G-ECON31 5A418 LE31 |
Year/Term | 2022 ・ First semester |
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| Number of Credits | 2 | Course Type | Lecture |
| Target Year | Target Student | ||
| Language | English | Day/Period | Thu.3 |
| Instructor name | KOBAYASHI MAI (Center for the Promotion of Interdisciplinary Education and Research Program-Specific Assistant Professor) | ||
| Outline and Purpose of the Course |
This course has been designed to give participants the opportunity to explore and understand the theoretical foundations and practical knowledge about how fieldwork is conducted in the social sciences. The central concern of this course is to introduce participants on how to conceptualize and carry out fieldwork by learning about appropriate identification and application of methods and techniques; the benefits, challenges and risks associated with doing fieldwork; and the knowledge and techniques on how to avoid/mitigate common problems, ways to organize, synthesize and process data, among others, for their research work (current or future). |
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| Course Goals |
Participants can expect to gain insights into how fieldwork is used as a basis for writing up research work. This course is mainly student-led, meaning that students will be expected to share their ideas, experiences and opinions during open discussions and small group work; as well as to design and carry out their own fieldwork projects. This course has also been designed to be project-centered, meaning that most sessions will revolve around equipping students with the knowledge and skills to complete the projects. By doing the projects, students can expect to learn how to put the principles learned in the classroom into practice and thus building confidence in using some of the most common methods and techniques used in fieldwork. In addition to project work, the course will also include lectures, discussions, in-class exercises, take-home assignments and group work. Course materials will be based on literature from the social sciences. |
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| Schedule and Contents |
Week Topics 1 Introduction: Course content & expectations 2 What is fieldwork? Why do we do it? 3 Getting ready for the first fieldwork: observational project 4 Fieldwork (Observation) 5 Observational fieldwork debriefing 6 Interview research: introduction and methods 7 Questionnaire survey: introduction and methods 8 Research project: design and implementation 9 Fieldwork (interviews) 10 Fieldwork and/or transcribing interviews 11 Interview fieldwork debriefing 12 Data analysis and coding 13 Report writing (introduction) 14 Report writing 15 General feedback |
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| Evaluation Methods and Policy |
To maximize learning, it is expected that students attend classes, arrive on time, and come prepared to participate in the discussion. If one misses more than three classes and does not have a legitimate reason and supporting evidence (such as a doctor's note), the course credit will not be issued. In addition to classroom learning, students are required to complete and submit the following outputs: 1. Observational Research Project (30%) - small groups (2-3 people) 2. Interview Project (50%) - individual 3. Learning & Reflection Portfolio (20%) - individual Assignment #1 Observational Research Project Overview: Students will work in small groups to conduct observational research. Together, they will choose a topic/issue, a site (only a public place), collect data via non-participant observation, and submit one field report. Purpose: To engage in field research quickly and to start using key skills that are part of doing fieldwork, (i.e. planning, collecting data, writing field notes, analyzing data, etc.) and to experience common challenges and issues associated with doing field research. Assignment #2 Interview or Survey Project Overview: For this assignment, each student will either (A) conduct an open or semi structured interviews, or (B) a questionnaire survey to know more about an issue. Working individually, the task is to select a topic of interest, and either (A) develop an interview guide, arrange appointments, interview respondents, or (B) develop a questionnaire survey, distribute and collect the survey, analyze your findings, and submit a report. Purpose: To practice developing an interview guide or questionnaire survey, to learn through asking questions and listening, and to gain confidence in leading field research. Assignment #3 Learning & Reflection Portfolio Overview: Throughout the course, students will be expected to answer questions that will be assigned by the instructor to facilitate a thorough understanding and critical reflection of key articles and books. Students' answers will make up a portfolio that will be submitted to the instructor at the end of the course. Purpose: To help students prepare for the following class, to keep track of what they have learned and to practice frequent reflection on what is learned throughout the course. |
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| Course Requirements | None | ||
| Study outside of Class (preparation and review) | The course requires extensive preparation outside the classroom. | ||
| References, etc. | Readings will be made available through a cloud system (e.g. Dropbox). See course schedule (t.b.a.) for a detailed reading list. | ||
