This chapter explains fieldwork, which is research you can conduct yourself to gain information on your subject.

The chapter objectives that follow will help you figure out whether you have really mastered the material presented in this chapter.

After reading this chapter and completing its exercises, you should be able to:

1. explain to another student the benefits of fieldwork over traditional research methods
2. recognize how different research communities use fieldwork differently
3. understand ethnographic research and writing of enthnographies
4. interview subjects effectively
5. conduct polls and questionnaires
6. take effective fieldwork notes

If, as you read through these objectives, you can already tell you need to review the chapter again or work on the exercises provided in the handbook, please do so. Once you feel confident that you have a solid understanding of the material, proceed to the exercises that accompany this chapter on the Website.

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