The Field Research Survival Guide

Book excerpt: This collection of field research narratives from veteran social and behavioral science researchers acknowledges the unpredictability of managing a project and candidly illustrates real-world problems and solutions. Unlike standard research methods texts, each chapter in this book has practical import for the researcher, ties together extant literature, and illustrates the issues with concrete examples from the authors' own experience. Chapters cover scenarios such as creating an interdisciplinary research team, hiring and training research staff and interviewers, developing the instrument, preparing data for analysis, navigating the IRB and ethical dilemmas, maintaining cultural sensitivity, evaluating the intervention, and disseminating results. Doctoral students, junior faculty, and research assistants will appreciate this insider's look at the reality of conducting a research project. Designed to supplement traditional textbooks on research methods, The Field Research Survival Guide will be an ideal addition to doctoral courses in departments of social work, psychology, psychiatry, and public health, and an indispensible field guide for those managing a research project. - An insider's guide to managing the reality of conducting a research project - Filled with straightforward advice from seasoned researchers - Chapter outlines summarize and map each scenario for quick reference - Addresses real-world research dilemmas candidly and knowledgeably