Field reports are commonly assigned in applied social sciences to connect classroom concepts to real-world practice. They involve systematically observing and recording a situation, continuously analyzing observations, and interpreting findings within a theoretical framework. A generic field report format includes an introduction describing the research problem and objectives, a description of observations addressing what was observed, when, who was involved, and why sites were selected. The analysis section places observations in the context of relevant theories. Conclusions briefly summarize key findings and recommendations. Appendices provide supplemental materials and references cite all sources consulted.

1. FIELD
REPORTS

2. HOW TO BEGIN?
 FIELD REPORTS- are often
assigned in disciplines of the applied
social sciences, social work,
anthropology, criminal justice,
education, law etc. where it is
important to build a bridge of
relevancy between the theoretical
concepts learned in the classroom
and the practice of actually doing the

3. FIELD REPORTS
 Are common in certain science disciplines
but these reports are organized differently
and serve a different purpose than what is
described.
 It facilitate the development of data collection
techniques and observation skills and they
help you to understand how theory applies o
real world situations.
 Also an opportunity to obtain evidence
through methods of observing professional
practice that contribute to or challenge

4. FIELD REPORTS
 We are all observers of people, their
interactions, places and events;
however your responsibility when
writing a field report is to create a
research study based on data
generated by the act of designing a
specific data, deliberate observation,
a synthesis of key findings and an
interpretation of their meaning.

5. When writing a field
report you need to:

6. 1. Systematically observe and
accurately record the varying aspects
of a situation.
 Always approach your field study with
a detailed plan about what you will
observe, where you should conduct
your observations and the method to
collect and record your data.

7. 2. Continuously analyze your
observations.
 Always look for the meaning
underlying the actions you observe.
Note that this an on-going process of
reflection and analysis taking place
for the duration of your field research.

8. 3. Keep the report’s aim in mind while
you are observing.
 In recording you must be focused and
pay attention to details. Enter the
observation site with a clear plan
about what you are intending to
observe and record being prepared to
adapt to changing environment.

9. 4. Consciously observe, record and
analyze what you hear and see in the
context of a theoretical framework.
 The theoretical framework guiding
you field research should determine
what, when and how you observe
and act as the foundation from which
you interpret your findings.

10. TECHNIQUES TO RECORD
OBSERVATION

11. Note Taking
This is the most commonly
used and easiest method of
recording your observations.

12. Photography
It can help capture an important
moment in time as well as
document details about the
space where your observation
takes place. It can also save
time for documenting the details
of space that would otherwise
require extensive note taking.

13. Audio and Video Recordings
 This can be particularly helpful as you
gather additional information or insights
during your research. These techniques
have the negative effect of increasing how
intrusive you are as an observer and will
often not be practical or even allowed
under certain circumstances and in certain
organizational settings.

14. Illustrations and Drawings
 This does not refer to an artistic endeavor
but, rather, refers to possible need, for
example, to draw a map of the
observation setting or illustrating objects in
relation to people’s behavior.

15. Generic Format of Field Report
Introductio
n
Descriptio
n of
Activities
Interpretatio
n and
Analysis
Conclusions and
Recommendatio
ns
Appendix
References

16. I-Introduction
 It describe the research problem.
 The objectives of the problem.
 You should also include a review of pertinent
literature related to the problem, especially if
similar methods were used in prior studies.
 Conclude your introduction with a statement
about how the rest of the paper is organized.

17. II-Description of Activities
 This is similar to a well written piece of journalism.
Five W’s of Investigative reporting. These are the
following:
 WHAT- describe what you observed. Physical and
social boundaries you imposed to limit the
observations you made.
 WHEN- record factual data about the day and the
beginning and ending time of observation.
 WHO- note background and demographic
information about the individuals being observed
(age, gender, who is doing or saying that)
 WHY- describe the reasons for selecting particular
situations to observe .

18. III-Interpretation and Analysis
 Always place the analysis and interpretations of
your field observations within the larger context of
the theories and issues you described in the
introduction. Analyze the data which observations
are worthy of comment and interpretation, which
observations are more general in nature. It is
your theoretical framework that allows you to
make your decisions.
 Interpretations must be based on what you have
actually observed. Do not speculate or manipulate
your data to fit into your study’s theoretical
framework.

19. III-Interpretation and Analysis
 Questions you have to consider in analyzing your
observations:
 What is the meaning of what you have observed?
 Why do you think what you observed happened?
What evidence do you have for your reasoning?
 Do you see any connections or patterns in what you
observed?
 What were the strengths and weaknesses of the
observations you recorded?
 Do you see connections between what you observed
and the findings of similar studies indentified from
your review of the literature?
 Have you learned anything from what you have
observed?

20. IV- Conclusions and
Recommendations
 It should briefly recap the entire study,
reiterating the importance or significance of
your observations. Avoid including any
information.
 You should state any recommendations if you
have.
 The conclusion should not be more than two
or three paragraphs.

21. V- Appendix
 This is where you would place information that
is not essential to explaining your findings, but
that supports your analysis that validates your
conclusions or that contextualizes a related
point that helps the reader understand the
overall report.
 Examples:
figures/tables/graphs/pictures/maps/drawings
or if applicable transcripts of interview.

22. VI- References
 List all sources that you consulted
and obtained your information from
while writing your field report. Be sure
to write them in the preferred citation
style of your discipline.

23. General Considerations
 Comprehensible- needs to be understood by a
range of potential audiences-including staff of
other agencies not expert in the subject and
local communities. Use simple, clear language-
avoid highly technical terms & flowery
description.
 Comprehensive- must include all the facts and
information of any relevance and include notes
on checks made which did not uncover
irregularities
 Concise- It adds clarity. Helps to keep facts or
conclusions in main body, but
calculations/analysis and list of annexes.