SH1672

Field Report

I. Structure of a Field Report (Sacred Heart University Library, 2017)

• Introduction
 Specific objectives
 Important theories and concepts
 Nature of organization
 Setting where you are conducting the observation
• Description of Activities
 Five W’s of Investigative Reporting
o WHAT – describe what you observed
o WHERE – information about the setting of observation
o WHEN – record factual data about the day and the beginning and end time of each
observation
o WHO – note the participants in the situation (age, gender, ethnicity)
o WHY – why were you doing this?
• Interpretation and Analysis
 Analysis and interpretations of your field observations should always be placed within the
larger content of the theories and issues you described in the introduction.
• Conclusion and Recommendations
 Conclusion
o should briefly recap the entire study
o reiterate the importance or significance of your
observations
o should not be more than two or three (2-3)
paragraphs
 State any recommendations you may have.
• Appendix
 Information that are not essential to explaining
your findings
 Supports your analysis, validates your conclusions
 Figures/ tables/ charts/ graphs of results, statistics,
maps
• References
 List of sources you consulted and obtained Source: https://clipartfest.com
information
 Written in the preferred citation style (i.e. APA, Chicago, MLA, etc.)

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 SH1672

II. Recording your Observation

A. Techniques in recording your observation

• Note Taking - This is the most commonly used and easiest method of recording your
observations. Tips for taking notes include organizing some shorthand symbols beforehand
so that recording basic or repeated actions does not impede your ability to observe, using
many small paragraphs which reflect changes in activities, who is talking, etc., and leaving
space on the page so you can write down additional thoughts and ideas about what’s being
observed, any theoretical insight, and notes to yourself about may require further
investigation.

• Video and Audio Recordings -Video or audio recording your observations has the positive
effect of giving you an unfiltered record of the observation event. It also facilitates repeated
analysis of your observations.

• Illustrations/Drawings – These are not an artistic endeavor, rather, refers to the possible need,
for example, to draw a map of the observation setting or illustrating objects in relation to
people's behavior. This can also take the form of rough tables or graphs documenting the
frequency and type of activities observed. These can be subsequently placed in a more
readable format when you write your field report.

B. Examples of things to document while observing

• Physical setting - The characteristics of an occupied space and the human use of the place
where the observation(s) are being conducted.
• Objects and material culture - The presence, placement, and arrangement of objects that
impact the behavior or actions of those being observed. If applicable, describe the cultural
artifacts representing the beliefs -- values, ideas, attitudes, and assumptions -- used by the
individuals you are observing.
• Use of language – Do not just observe but listen to what is being said, how is it being said,
and the tone of conversation among participants.
• Behavior cycles - This refers to documenting when and who performs what behavior or task
and how often they occur. Record at which stage this behavior is occurring within the setting.
• The order in which events unfold - Note sequential patterns of behavior or the moment when
actions or events take place and their significance.
• Physical characteristics of subjects - If relevant, note age, gender, clothing, etc. of
individuals.
• Expressive body movements - This would include things like body posture or facial
expressions. Note that it may be relevant to also assess whether expressive body movements
support or contradict the use of language.

Reference:
Sacred Heart University Library. (2017). Organizing academic research papers: Writing a field report. Retrieved from
http://libguides.sacredheart.edu/c.php?g=29803&p=18595

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