STAGE 2.

Actual fieldwork study or actual visit stage

This is the day of departure to the field. It is the second stage where the methods
identified are to be applied and these include interviewing, experimenting, observation,
field-sketching, sampling, recording, tallying. It is important to note that all the data
collected should be recorded when the researcher is still in the field before you forget.

METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION

The following methods are used to collect data in the field:

Observation, interviewing, questionnaires, measurements, pacing, recording,

sampling, field sketching, map orientation.

Likely questions: Describe how you collected data, describe how you applied the
following methods,

Approach: define the method, show how you used it to collect data.

i. Observation

This is the use of naked eyes to see the geographical phenomenon or aspects. Other
senses such as feeling, tasting, touching and hearing may supplement the visual
observation

Merits or advantages of observation

• Observation gives first-hand information which is often accurate.

• Observation over comes the problem of language barrier.

• It saves time / fast as the researcher does not spend time looking elsewhere for
information.

• It is cheap as the observer uses his naked eyes and observation skills to get
information.

• Observation helps to relate book knowledge or information to the reality in the field.

• It reduces the chance of obtaining wrong information because it does not involve
contacting people who may be sources of wrong information.

Disadvantages / demerits / limitations of observation

• It is tiresome because it involves excessive travelling to every aspect of study in the

field.
• Some information especially invisible information like historical back ground
cannot be obtained using Observation method.
• The information got through Observation may be highly subjective; this depends on
the researchers’ interpretation and preference or judgment. Therefore may be
biased and may not record the information correctly
• A lot of information may be left out especially if the observer has got eye problems
e.g. blindness.
• It requires physical presence of the observer yet some places may be inaccessible
e.g. due to flooding hence missing some information.
• Observation is expensive as it incurs high costs of travelling and payment of
entrances.
• It may be affected by obstructions, eg fog, tall buildings.

ii.Interviewing

This is a skill or art of finding out information by way of oral asking questions either
directly in a face to face discussion or indirectly through telephone talks between the
interviewer and the respondent or interviewee.

Advantages or merits of interviewing method.

• It is very possible to obtain first-hand information which is accurate since answers

to the questions or objectives are given there and then.
• It is possible to obtain additional data through further discussion with the
respondents.
• Interviewing enables the researcher to seek clarification in case of ambiguous
responses.
• The information can easily be given by both literate and illiterate people unlike the
questionnaire method.
• Up-to date information may be obtained since the respondents are residents or
employees of the area being studied and can remember events clearly
• It presents the chance to the researcher to analyze the information on the spot and
makes corrections there and then.

Disadvantages or limitations or demerits of interviewing

• Language barrier may become a very serious problem especially when the
interviewer does not understand the language the language being used by the local
people.
• Interviewing is very tiresome and time consuming especially where a big number of
respondents have to be reached.
• Respondents may be hostile.
• It may be affected by bias from the interviewer, eg girls like to interview male, vice
versa.

NB: In exams, define interviewing, illustrate how you used it, quote some names of
people/features.
iii. Sampling method: This is a process where a portion or part of a whole is selected
to represent a whole in a study, eg soil sampling.

Here we mostly use random sampling where a sample may be chosen randomly.

Advantages of sampling

• It is time saving, information is got quickly.

• A detailed study of the sample can easily be undertaken.
• Lower costs are incurred since a small sample is dealt with.
• Conclusions can be drawn from the sample.

Disadvantages of sampling

• It tends to generalize geographical phenomena.

• There is a tendency of missing on important sub groups, eg when anyone is asked,
you may miss out key people.
• Inadequate tools,eg chemicals for testing PH or water salinity.

Some areas are inaccessible to take samples because of physical barriers.

i. MEASUREMENT

This is the establishment or estimation of distances, volumes, quantities, weights,

sizes and areas by use of instruments, eg by use of meter rulers, weighing scale, jerry
cans, sacks etc.

In fieldwork, we may measure the following:

• Area of land, eg areas of land fragments or subsistence farming. One can say,
using a tape measure, it was revealed that most fragmented land in Laminadera
settlement in Omoro county are 20m by 45m=900sq meters.
• Length of roads in kms or meters. Using a meter rule, the distance from our school
to the main road was established to be 700m
• Weight, using a weighing scale at Akokoro landing site, the biggest fish caught
could weigh 10kgs. On the relationship between weight and cost, a kilo of fish cost
4000shs.
• Quantity, a tin of Irish potatoes cost7000shs while a small heap of potatoes costs
2000shs.

Advantages of Measurement Method

• Accurate information is obtained

• It is an efficient way of collecting data.
• Skills in measurements are acquired.
• It is easy to measure and read information shown in the instruments.
Disadvantages of measurement

• Sudden changes especially in weather e.g. sudden rain may hinder the smooth
running of the exercise
• The method is expensive as it requires several instruments e.g. tape measure,
metre rule.
• Measurements require a lot of time and concentration in order to produce
accurate, results.
• It is laborious as it demands accuracy.
• Some physical features may affect the exercise, eg floods, thick vegetation.
•

v. Pacing method: this is a method of finding out distances of geographical features

by means of strides commonly known as paces, eg the number of paces from your
school to the nearest road. It is measurement based on estimation.

Eg, 1 pace may be equivalent to 1 meter. If a school field is 30paces by 20paces, what
is the area of the field? =30m x 20 m=600msq

Advantages of pacing.

• It is a quick method of finding out distances.

• It is cheap as it does not require any measurements.

Disadvantages of pacing.

• It lacks accuracy.
• Some physical features such as poorly drained areas may hinder pacing.
• Sudden changes in weather such as sudden rain may hinder the exercise.
vi.Field sketching

This method involves the drawing of sketch maps, panoramic views, transects or
geographical aspects observed in the field. Good sketches should put in consideration
both human and natural aspects.

Advantages of field sketching

• A student acquires skills of drawing sketches such as maps of area studied

• Sketches summarizes geographical information obtained in the field
• Information obtained can be for a long time and hence not easily forgotten
• Panoramic view sketching helps the researcher to collect data from the area that is
not reached but seen from a distance.

Disadvantages of field sketching

• Unpredictable changes in weather may hinder the use of this method to collect
data.
• It is time consuming as it requires the researcher look for the information to
include in the sketch.
• Field sketching is expensive as it requires various tools to be used e.g. rulers, clip
board etc.
• Sketches are not accurate since they are not drawn to scale.
• They are difficult to interpret since some maps have a lot of information

vii. Experimentation method

This is an act of conducting a test or investigation to provide evidence for or against

theory. Experiments may be carried out to determine for example moisture content
soil.

Advantages of experimentation

• It can lead to more discoveries since it encourages self-discovery method of

learning and teaching.
• When an experiment is properly conducted it gives accurate results
• Facts are easily determined.

Disadvantages of experimentation

• It may be expensive as it may involve the use of expensive equipment

• Use of defective instruments may lead to inaccurate results
• Accidents may occur due to improper handling of equipment and chemicals.

viii.Recording:

This is where the researcher writes down the information using pen and paper. During
fieldwork, students normally use pens, paper, and pencils to record down information
from the area of study.

There are various methods of recording data in the field and these include;

a) Field sketching

b) Tabulation

c) Tallying

d) Note taking

e) Labeling

Advantages of recording
• Students are in a position to keep permanent records of information.
• Information is more organized when recorded than in other methods of data
collection.
• Where drawings and tables are involved, it helps students to acquire skills in other
subjects.

Disadvantages of recording

• It is affected by climate, eg drawing during sunny or rainy conditions.

• The stationery may be lost or destroyed by rain and fire.
• Stationery is expensive and schools may not provide enough.

ix.Questionnaires: a questionnaire is a list of typed questions sent to the interviewee

to collect data from the field.

Advantages:

• It gives the respondent enough time to answer the questions.

• It does not require the presence of the interviewer.
• It is time saving.
• It can be used to get information from distant people.
• It sets a foundation for general analysis.

Disadvantages:

• It is rigid; information obtained cannot be easily changed in the absence of the

interviewee.
• It is limited to literate people who can read and write.
• Few people are willing to spare time to write and return the questionnaire.
• The method is expensive, money is required to buy papers, type and send the
questionnaires.
• It is difficult to correct mistakes in the absence of the interviewee.
• It requires a lot of time to formulate the questionnaires.

STAGE 3. Follow up/post fieldwork

This is the last stage in fieldwork conduction. It refers to those activities after a
researcher has come back from the field. It involves writing a detailed report, re-
organization of the collected data etc.

1. For any one fieldwork study you have carried out on a mine or quarry,

a) i) State the topic of the fieldwork study

This is a statement of what is investigated. It should be presented in capital letters

and underlined.
TOPIC: A STUDY OF THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF UNYAMA STONE
QUARRY,LAROO DIVISION IN GULU DISTRICT AND ITS IMPACTS ON THE
SORROUNDING AREA.