Doing Fieldwork
- Christopher Pole - University of Brighton, UK
- Sam Hillyard - University of Lincoln, UK
"This is not yet another step-by-step guide to research methods. Rather, Pole and Hillyard draw the reader into fieldwork as a form of living and lived research. They take key threads of research practices and processes and weave them into a holistic approach to fieldwork. Doing Fieldwork is a must read for new researchers planning a journey into the immersion of 'being there' that is field work."
- Professor Garry Marvin, University of Roehampton
Fieldwork is central to Sociology, but guides to it often treat the real questions invisibly or over-load the reader with micro-details. This refreshing, authoritative volume, written by two experienced, highly respected fieldworkers, provides a one-stop, engaging guide. The book:
- Clearly explains fieldwork methods
- Shows how to locate a field and map it
- Covers common problem areas and ethical considerations
- Provides a ready reckoner of time management issues
- Helps with analysis of findings.
Doing Fieldwork is an invaluable teaching and research resource. It should be in every student’s backpack and part of every researcher’s tool kit.
Professor Chris Pole is Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Brighton. His long-standing research interests are in social research methodology, especially Ethnography and in the Sociology of Education and Childhood.
Dr Sam Hillyard is a Reader in Sociology at Durham University. Her research interests are in qualitative research methods, interactionist social theory and rural studies.
This is not yet another step-by-step guide to research methods. Rather, Pole and Hillyard draw the reader into fieldwork as a form of living and lived research. They take key threads of research practices and processes and weave them into a holistic approach to fieldwork. Doing Fieldwork is a must read for new researchers planning a journey into the immersion of 'being there' that is field work.
Social Science has long needed a contemporary, high quality and rigorous text on fieldwork to move the debates forward from the pioneering contributions of Burgess in the early 1980s. Doing Fieldwork by Pole and Hillyard is that book. Well-researched, clearly written and replete with useful examples from across the social sciences Doing Fieldwork will no doubt have a broad appeal. It really is a celebration of fieldwork and all that we do as researchers.
Chris Pole and Sam Hillyard are serious about fieldwork: about doing it, about being in the field, and about analysing and interpreting the lives of others . Doing Fieldwork is a lively, insightful and student-friendly addition to any sociological bookshelf or reading list.
This expertise, clearly demonstrated by the frequently referenced illustration, is converted into a contagious enthusiasm about fieldwork. The book is subsequently an absolute must for those who want to take the first steps in the research world, and therefore very useful as teaching material in introductory courses
Good general introduction to the issues of undertaking fieldwork. Clear writing style
Very useful book which I will definitely order for my dissertation students for both undergrad and postgrad (MA in Education) which I have now taken leadership for. We do not have a directly equivalent text specifically on field work
Delivers methodological knowledge in plain language, very insightfull and of high didactical value
This is a really strong piece of literature that should be regarded as essential reading for any scholar conducting field based research. The authors provide a insights into the theory and practice in a comprehensive manner. This may be particularly useful for post-graduate students and those committed to conducting situated research. Possibly the most engaging methodology book I have read in some time.
Fieldwork is an important method of undertaking research, yet it's often misunderstood. This book equips the fieldwork researcher with the necessary skills to undertake this form of activity.
Great starter text for those not as familiar with social research methodologies and entering research.
