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5 - Field Research

from Part I - Quantitative Data Collection Sources

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 December 2024

By
Sherry Jueyu Wu
Edited by
John E. Edlund  and
Austin Lee Nichols
John E. Edlund
Affiliation:
Rochester Institute of Technology, New York
Austin Lee Nichols
Affiliation:
Central European University, Vienna
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Summary

Field research refers to research conducted with high degrees of naturalism. Compared with other research methodologies, field research can preserve the rigor of traditional laboratory research while augmenting the ecological validity and social impact of the research findings. The first part of this chapter provides a definition of field research and discusses its advantages and challenges. The second part of the chapter provides a brief overview of qualitative field methods and an in-depth overview of experimental field methods. It discusses different types of randomization schemes in field experiments, such as cluster randomization, block randomization, and waitlist designs. It further discusses the design and implementation concerns when conducting field experiments, including spillover, attrition, and non-compliance. The third part of the chapter provides an overview of some important considerations for conducting field research, including pilot testing, replicability and generalizability across contexts, and how geographical and technological advances impact field research.

Type
Chapter
Information
The Cambridge Handbook of Research Methods and Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences
Volume 2: Performing Research
 , pp. 93 - 115
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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  • Field Research
  • Edited by John E. Edlund, Rochester Institute of Technology, New York, Austin Lee Nichols, Central European University, Vienna
  • Book: The Cambridge Handbook of Research Methods and Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Online publication: 12 December 2024
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009000796.006
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  • Field Research
  • Edited by John E. Edlund, Rochester Institute of Technology, New York, Austin Lee Nichols, Central European University, Vienna
  • Book: The Cambridge Handbook of Research Methods and Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Online publication: 12 December 2024
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009000796.006
Available formats
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Save book to Google Drive

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  • Field Research
  • Edited by John E. Edlund, Rochester Institute of Technology, New York, Austin Lee Nichols, Central European University, Vienna
  • Book: The Cambridge Handbook of Research Methods and Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Online publication: 12 December 2024
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009000796.006
Available formats
×