Tip-sheet; Field Research

Before departure:

• Prepare your proposal; draft your ethics submission; read all relevant literature (government, academic, and print); familiarize yourself with the local/national culture and political situation; find a place to stay; reach out to any local contacts; prepare a timeline of ideal research activities, from proposal to defense; apply to all funding opportunities; and learn the local language as best as you can.
• Ask your supervisor and committee members if they have contacts in the region where you will be doing your research. If so, get in touch with them as they might be able to give you some tips and advice on the region, local organisations, other persons to get in touch with, etc. 
• Always allow yourself enough time to go through the visa application process, anticipating delays and logistics issues as it usually takes more time than expected. Reach out to your supervisor, faculty, or other contacts if you have any questions.
• Allow yourself extra time for your field research delays and unforeseen events are very likely. 
• Look up the local national/religious calendar, ensuring you’re aware of upcoming local festivities, national holidays, etc.

 
Interview / Survey Guideline:

• Make sure that your data collection is well structured and organized.
• If possible, send your surveys/interview questions and consent forms to your participants beforehand.
• Before conducting interviews or surveys, make sure to explain your intentions as well as your research objectives to your participants.
• Do not hesitate to ask your participants to clarify or elaborate during the interview. In fact, don’t assume you understand what they’re saying, and don’t interpret what they’re saying in your own words. Follow up, follow up, follow up! Once you start, you’ll be shocked with how much meaning we impose onto our interlocutors, instead of really listening to what they’re trying to say.  
• Make sure your participants understand your question. Ask them: “do you understand?” or “was that clear?” or “would you like me to repeat the question?” if it is clear participants aren’t getting it, try reformulating your question in different words. If that doesn’t work, move on to the next question... 
• If you work with a translator, make sure that he/she is clear on all expectations, including the style of interviewing you wish to perform. 
• If you work with a translator, make sure you communicate well together and that you are on the same page. 
• Show your gratitude to your research participants.
• As much as possible, transcribe your interviews during your field research. It is better not to wait until your field research is over to do so- it’s more work than you think 
• Make sure to save and store your data properly and in multiple places (laptop, hard drive, Dropbox, etc.) 
  • Be aware that all sensitive information (i.e. personal or secure information) should be kept in a locked place; laptop with a password, cellphone with a code, etc.  

 

• Enjoy every second of this amazing experience! You’ll be back in Ottawa before you know it!

 
Got questions? Feel free to reach out  
Sophie Corneau- China : Scorn067@uottawa.ca
Yoad Avitzur- Israel/Palestine: Yavit034@uottawa.ca
Antoine Fournier- Lebanon Afour043@uottawa.ca
Liana Fraser- Uganda Lfras041@uottawa.ca
 
Funding opportunities :
OGS : https://www.uottawa.ca/graduate-studies/students/awards/ontario-graduate-scholarship
FQRSC (for Quebec residents): https://www.uottawa.ca/graduate-studies/students/awards/fonds-quebecois-recherche
UOttawa: https://socialsciences.uottawa.ca/students/graduate/finance-your-studies#international
MITACS : https://www.mitacs.ca/en