Page 79 - DMGT404 RESEARCH_METHODOLOGY

Unit 4: Sampling Design

4.4 Fieldwork Notes

The fieldwork consists of informal conversations as well as formal standardized interviews,
including projectives or questionnaires. Initially, a single person conducted the research. Changes
in society have shifted research for the most part into teamwork. However, a single person can
still conduct effective research. Traditionally, educational researchers began their research with
a set of hypothesis, whereas the fieldworker's hypothesis emerges through the fieldwork.
Fieldwork in its inception may seem to be disorganized. The notes may be scattered, information
is coming from all over the place. That is because the hypothesis has not yet emerged. Even
though, at times the hypothesis may become very clear rapidly. Once the hypothesis became
evident the fieldworker maintains an open mind thus allowing other hypothesis to emerge.
Another important difference between the types of research is the "nature of the proposition
sought: his propositions are rarely of the A causes B type, the usual casual interrelationships
between two or more variables dealt with in an experimental research".
Much of the naturalistic data is collected by using raw materials: notes stating the actual response
given. In order to be accurate recorders are often used. Experienced researchers create their own
techniques and develop the ability to remember the information that needs to be recorded.

Did u know? How does a fieldworker know when the Enquiry should finish?
The fieldworker knows when the inquiry should finish by analyzing the data as it is gathered.
The end arrives when the fieldworker sees patterns and no new significant changes.
Three important points that must be included are:
1. The data can be subjective to quantitative analysis

2. Most practitioners of the method probably consider its products to have full status as
actual studies
3. Can be credible regardless of abstraction.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
12. Fieldwork in its inception may seem to be ......................
13. ...................... researchers create their own techniques and develop the ability to remember
the information that needs to be recorded.
4.5 Errors in Sampling

4.5.1 Sampling Error

The only way to guarantee the minimization of sampling error is to choose the appropriate
sample size. As the sample keeps on increasing, the sampling error decreases. Sampling error is
the gap between the sample mean and population mean.

Example: If a study is done amongst Maruti car-owners in a city to find the average monthly
expenditure on the maintenance of car, it can be done by including all Maruti car-owners. It can

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