Appendix A: Guidelines for Writing Field Notes
How to approach Writing Field Notes
The ways in which you take notes during an observational study is very much a personal
decision developed over time as you become more experienced in observing. However, all field
notes generally consist of two parts:
Descriptive information, in which you attempt to accurately document factual data [e.g., date
and time] and the settings, actions, behaviors, and conversations that you observe; and,
Reflective information, in which you record your thoughts, ideas, questions, and concerns as
you are conducting the observation.
Field notes should be fleshed out as soon as possible after an observation is completed. Your
initial notes may be recorded in cryptic form and, unless additional detail is added as soon as
possible after the observation, important facts and opportunities for fully interpreting the data
may be lost.
Characteristics of Field Notes
Be accurate. You only get one chance to observe a particular moment in time so, before you
conduct your observations, practice taking notes in a setting that is similar to your observation
site in regards to number of people, the environment, and social dynamics. This will help you
develop your own style of transcribing observations quickly and accurately.
Be organized. Taking accurate notes while you are actively observing can be difficult. It is
therefore important that you plan ahead how you will document your observation study [e.g.,
strictly chronologically or according to specific prompts]. Notes that are disorganized will make
it more difficult for you to interpret the data.
Be descriptive. Use descriptive words to document what you observe. For example, instead of
noting that a classroom appears "comfortable," state that the classroom includes soft lighting
and cushioned chairs that can be moved around by the study participants. Being descriptive
means supplying yourself with enough factual evidence that you don't end up making
assumptions about what you meant when you write the final report.
Focus on the research problem. Since it's impossible to document everything you observe,
include the greatest detail about aspects of the research problem and the theoretical
constructs underpinning your research; avoid cluttering your notes with irrelevant information.
For example, if the purpose of your study is to observe the discursive interactions between
nursing home staff and the family members of residents, then it would only be necessary to
document the setting in detail if it in some way directly influenced those interactions [e.g.,
there is a private room available for discussions between staff and family members].
Record insights and thoughts. As you observe, be thinking about the underlying meaning of
what you observe and record your thoughts and ideas accordingly. This will help if you to ask
questions or seek clarification from participants after the observation. To avoid any confusion,
subsequent comments from participants should be included in a separate, reflective part of
your field notes and not merged with the descriptive notes.
General Guidelines for the Descriptive Content
Describe the physical setting.
Describe the social environment and the way in which participants interacted within the
setting. This may include patterns of interactions, frequency of interactions, direction of
communication patterns [including non-verbal communication], and patterns of specific
behavioral events, such as, conflicts, decision-making, or collaboration.
Describe the participants and their roles in the setting.
Describe, as best you can, the meaning of what was observed from the perspectives of
the participants.
Record exact quotes or close approximations of comments that relate directly to the
purpose of the study.
Describe any impact you might have had on the situation you observed [important!].
Tip: If you’re stuck, ask yourself: what are people not doing? What are people avoiding? What
am I not noticing? These questions will help you identify expectations that are ingrained in us.
General Guidelines for the Reflective Content
Note ideas, impressions, thoughts, and/or any criticisms you have about what you
observed.
Include any unanswered questions or concerns that have arisen from analyzing the
observation data.
Clarify points and/or correct mistakes and misunderstandings in other parts of field notes.
Include insights about what you have observed and speculate as to why you believe
specific phenomenon occurred.
Record any thoughts that you may have regarding any future observations.
NOTE: Analysis of your field notes should occur as they are being written and while you are
conducting your observations. This is important for at least two reasons.
First, preliminary analysis fosters self-reflection, and self-reflection is crucial for
understanding and meaning-making in any research study.
Second, preliminary analysis reveals emergent themes. Identifying emergent themes
while observing allows you to shift your attention in ways that can foster a more
developed investigation.
(Source: USC Libraries)
Appendix B: Summary of Observation Template
[TITLE]
[LOCATION]
[DATE]
[START TIME- END TIME]
[RESEARCHER’S NAME]
DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY (500-600 words)
Possible observations to include in this section:
Description of the physical setting.
Description of the social environment and the way in which participants interacted within
the setting. This may include patterns of interactions, frequency of interactions,
direction of communication patterns [including non-verbal communication], and
patterns of specific behavioral events, such as, conflicts, decision-making, or
collaboration.
Description of the participants and their roles in the setting.
Description of, as best you can, the meaning of what was observed from the perspectives
of the participants.
Exact quotes or close approximations of comments that relate directly to the purpose of
the study.
Description of any impact you might have had on the situation you observed.
REFLECTIONS (400-500 words)
Possible reflections to include in this section:
Ideas, impressions, thoughts, and/or any criticisms you have about what you observed.
Unanswered questions or concerns that have arisen from analyzing the observation data.
Insights about what you have observed and speculation as to why you believe specific
phenomenon occurred.
Thoughts that you may have regarding any future observations
EMERGENT THEMES (Minimum of 2)
Identify patterns you observed that are relevant to the purpose of the research
Appendix C: Consent Form Template
I agree to participate in the study conducted by [student’s name] as part of [program name].
I understand that participation in this study is voluntary and I agree to immediately raise any
concerns or areas of discomfort during the session with the study administrator.
Please sign below to indicate that you have read and you understand the information on this
form and that any questions you might have about the session have been answered.
Date:
Please print your name:
Please sign your name:
Thank you!
We appreciate your participation.
