RDS-22306 Field Research Practical

Course

Credits 6.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Lectures8
Literature study
Practical intensively supervised28
Field Practical80
Self-study
Course coordinator(s)dr. S Southwold
SK Mirck
Lecturer(s)dr. S Southwold
ir. YPB Van Leynseele
E Berkhout
ir. J Schakel
dr. ED Rasch
Ir JN van Gastel
G Beekman
ir. N Tumer
dr. S Hunt
Examiner(s)dr. S Southwold

Assumed knowledge on:

RDS-21306 (Methods and Techniques of Field Research)

Contents:

The research practical is a learning exercise to develop basic skills in: collecting data using a wide range of techniques, analysing data using a number of different modes of analysis, and presenting their research findings in a report. The students carry out individual exploratory research outside the Netherlands, based on a research proposal. During the first week, the students prepare their research proposal and they study relevant secondary literature. The following two weeks, they conduct individual, primary research, staying with a host family in the UK or Ireland. The research is focussed on primary field data collected through different kinds of interviews, participatory observations, genealogies, mapping, etc. from anthropological and micro-economic perspectives. The fourth week is spent analysing data (using four different modes of analysis), and writing a report.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- design and write a research proposal for exploratory research;
- individually conduct exploratory research in a different cultural setting;
- make systematic observations, record them daily, and code them in such a way that the socio-economic significance of their observations is illustrated;
- organise a limited research period and prioritise research activities by keeping a research log;
- interview respondents using different styles of interviewing;
- map a research area using the map to illustrate important features relevant to the research topic;
- make geneaologies of several informants illustrating variables relevant to the research topic;
- make a life history of a person or organisation, village, etc.;
- interpret the data using four modes of analysis: situational analysis of a conversation or event, case study of a series of events, network analysis, and a quantitative analysis;
- write a research report which links all the data and modes of analysis.

Activities:

During the first week the students prepare their research proposal and they study relevant secondary literature. Then they depart to the field where they participate in individual research for two weeks, staying with a family. Research is focussed on primary field data collected through different kinds of interviews, participatory observation, genealogies, etc. from a micro-economic and anthropological perspective.
The fourth week is spent on analysing data and information and on writing the research reports.

Examination:

Based on written field reports.

Literature:

Guidelines for field practical are available; no compulsory literature; gathering and reviewing literature during preparation stage and on field work location.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Compulsory for: BINInternational Development StudiesBSc6WD