SDC-22306 Field Research Practical

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Assumed knowledge on:

SDC-21306 Methods, Techniques and Data Analysis for 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, and writing a report.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- design a research, including research questions, from preliminary literature research;
- build up rapport in a fieldwork situation;
- use various exploratory research techniques;
- cope with unexpected field work situations;
- write down fieldnotes and organize fieldwork material;
- systematically analyse fieldwork material, using different types of analyses;
- reflect on methodology and position of the researcher in doing fieldwork;
- write a research report.

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:

- research proposal (15%);
- fieldwork (40%);
- midterm report (5%);
- research report (40%);
Each component needs a minimum mark of 5.50 to pass.

Literature:

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