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The Field Researcher's Handbook: A Guide to the Art and Science of Professional Fieldwork
Field research ― the collection of information outside a lab or workplace setting ― requires skills and knowledge not typically taught in the classroom. Fieldwork demands exploratory inquisitiveness, empathy to encourage interviewees to trust the researcher, and sufficient aptitude to work professionally and return home safely. The Field Researcher's Handbook provides a practical guide to planning and executing fieldwork and presenting the results.
Based on his experience conducting field research in more than fifty countries and teaching others a holistic approach to field research, David J. Danelo introduces the skills new researchers will need in the field, including anthropology, travel logistics planning, body language recognition, interview preparation, storytelling, network development, and situational awareness. His time as a combat veteran in the US Marine Corps further enhances his knowledge of how to be observant and operate safely in any environment. Danelo also discusses ethical considerations and how to recognize personal biases. This handbook is intended for researchers in a variety of academic disciplines but also for government, think-tank, and private-sector researchers.
Based on his experience conducting field research in more than fifty countries and teaching others a holistic approach to field research, David J. Danelo introduces the skills new researchers will need in the field, including anthropology, travel logistics planning, body language recognition, interview preparation, storytelling, network development, and situational awareness. His time as a combat veteran in the US Marine Corps further enhances his knowledge of how to be observant and operate safely in any environment. Danelo also discusses ethical considerations and how to recognize personal biases. This handbook is intended for researchers in a variety of academic disciplines but also for government, think-tank, and private-sector researchers.
136 pages, Paperback
Published May 3, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 23, 2018
For such a small book, it packs a concise punch. I am now more informed about fieldwork that I was after two courses related to the same topic.
The final decision on purchasing this book was that Danelo is a fellow Marine (I was sigint, so our experiences are quite different), and I looked forward to the clarity of purpose, depth of work, and pragmatic application I expected from a Marine. I got what I hoped for and more.
This book is not academic. It is a guiding manual for field researchers. Theory is great, if it works; Danelo focuses on the practical methods of field research- how to get it done, do it well, and find your feet when you come back home.
Recommended for anyone who is traveling and wants to write about their experiences, for any audience.
The final decision on purchasing this book was that Danelo is a fellow Marine (I was sigint, so our experiences are quite different), and I looked forward to the clarity of purpose, depth of work, and pragmatic application I expected from a Marine. I got what I hoped for and more.
This book is not academic. It is a guiding manual for field researchers. Theory is great, if it works; Danelo focuses on the practical methods of field research- how to get it done, do it well, and find your feet when you come back home.
Recommended for anyone who is traveling and wants to write about their experiences, for any audience.
April 14, 2017
I have to say your book has left an indelible mark on me and my team, and I am highly endorsing our unit purchase a copy. I actually have had numerous instances to employ some of the techniques you describe over the course of the deployment during my 'field research' to analyze the psychological impact of actions and messages on selected target audiences.
The single largest piece of information I took away from the handbook was the idea of positionality - I've incorporated the idea of positionality into a thought experiment of putting myself in the shoes of the other through a sort of bicycle lock shifting of my experiences to the imagined experiences of the other. I think that has single-handedly shaped how I have identified my biases when looking at others.
Thanks again for writing this book - it will be close to my bosom for a lifetime of field research.
The single largest piece of information I took away from the handbook was the idea of positionality - I've incorporated the idea of positionality into a thought experiment of putting myself in the shoes of the other through a sort of bicycle lock shifting of my experiences to the imagined experiences of the other. I think that has single-handedly shaped how I have identified my biases when looking at others.
Thanks again for writing this book - it will be close to my bosom for a lifetime of field research.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews