A Practical Guide To The Conduct Of Field Research In The Social Sciences by Elliot J. Feldman

Author:Elliot J. Feldman [Feldman, Elliot J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780367172299
Barnesnoble:
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Published: 2022-06-30T00:00:00+00:00

Setting Up Shop

Once we have the money and can go into the field there are a number of immediate problems that must be solved. The greatest of these is almost always finding living accommodations. An official affiliation with the use of an office is invaluable, for it may provide an official address, the use of telephone, and possibly other services. In many cities there are institutes that provide space for visiting researchers, and every attempt should be made to use that space. Access can often be gained directly by writing in advance or even by arriving at the door. However, chances of securing space to work and use facilities improve substantially when (1) the foundation or agency providing financial support either provides space itself or makes a request at an institute in our behalf, and (2) some personal contact within the institute in question can provide help. However it is secured, office space reduces enormously the burden of living accommodations.

If there is no office space, then the housing problem takes on special dimensions. Single researchers might be able to take a room in someone's home; for couples or families such an arrangement is more difficult. If we intend to do any interviewing, a telephone becomes a necessity. In Europe, a telephone may not be in a given apartment, and the cost and wait for installation is forbidding. Since one room is likely to become a constant work space, at least two rooms will be needed. In an urban setting an automobile may be hard to operate or afford; if research is to be concentrated at certain libraries, institutions, or agencies or in certain neighborhoods, it will be important to live near these places or at least near good public transportation. These prerequisites can drive up the cost of housing as well as increase the difficulty in finding something. Time spent looking for accommodations is time lost from research. On the other hand, long daily travel or inadequate work space can present a constant drain on resources as well.

To meet these needs we should be prepared, yet again, to exploit contacts. Do we know anyone living in the place where we are going? Might they know of a suitable or sufficient accommodation? Is there a university with a housing office that might help? It is hard to accept housing before arrival, though something temporary is always needed.

The search for housing can vary widely from city to city and country to country. In London, for example, the Evening Standard newspaper, which appears in the early afternoon, has many pages of advertisements for housing. Unfortunately, many of the listings lead back to a few agencies that seek fees, and the many telephone calls necessary to learn this advertising device can prove frustrating and expensive. The London Times, whose listings are far more brief (and whose daily edition costs twice as much), often proves more reliable and useful. In addition there are numerous agencies, both within the immediate areas where we might want accommodation

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