Finding Sources in the Field

The goal of field research is the same as that of library and Internet research — to gather the information you need to answer your research question and then to marshal persuasive evidence to support your conclusions. When you interview, observe, or ask questions of people, you generate your own firsthand (or primary) evidence. Almost any paper will be enriched by authentic and persuasive field sources, and you’ll almost certainly learn more by going into the field. Before you begin, find out from your instructor whether you need institutional approval for research involving other people (“human subjects approval” from your IRB, Institutional Review Board).