Academic writingLesson 2 of 5 in the course Research Process: Accessing and Recording Information

Field Research: Planning, Observation, Surveys, and Interviews

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

This lesson introduces primary research and fieldwork, including how to plan a useful and responsible research project. These skills matter when existing sources do not provide all the evidence your research question requires.

Primary research is the collection or development of original evidence. A researcher may create primary sources by conducting an experiment, observing an event, distributing a survey, or interviewing people with relevant knowledge or experience. In contrast, secondary sources interpret, analyze, or report on information that already exists.

All flashcards

What is primary research?
Research that collects or develops original evidence, such as data from an experiment, observation, interview, or survey.
What is fieldwork?
Primary research conducted in a setting beyond simply consulting library materials.
What is an open-ended survey question?
A question that lets respondents answer in their own words.
What is a participant observer?
A researcher who takes part in the activity or setting being observed.
What are context notes in an interview?
Notes about the setting and relevant details that may help reconstruct the interview.

Quiz questions

  1. What defines a survey as a research method?Answer: Respondents answer the same structured questions, allowing their responses to be compared.
  2. Why are closed-ended questions useful in a survey?Answer: Their limited response choices make answers easier to compare.
  3. Which statement is a direct observation rather than an interpretation?Answer: Three students checked their watches while waiting for a table.
  4. What should an interviewer do before making an audio recording?Answer: Ask the interviewee for permission in advance.
  5. How can an interviewer check the accuracy of an important or controversial assertion?Answer: Read the notes back to the interviewee and invite clarification.

Based on Writing Guide with Handbook by Michelle Bachelor Robinson, Maria Jerskey, featuring Toby Fulwiler (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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