field research methods

Field research methods involve collecting data directly from real-world environments outside a laboratory or office setting. Researchers observe, interview, or survey people, communities, or environments to gather firsthand information. This approach helps understand behaviors, cultures, or natural phenomena in their actual context. It includes techniques like interviews, participant observation, and collecting physical samples. Field research is valuable because it provides authentic insights that might not be visible through other methods, making it essential for studying complex social or ecological systems.