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Get Organised: The ‘Do’s’ Preceding Successful Field Research

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2026

Floriang G. Kern*
Affiliation:
Department of Politics and Public Administration, University of Konstanz, P.O. Box 90, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
Janis Vossiek*
Affiliation:
Department of Politics and Public Administration, University of Konstanz, P.O. Box D 79, 78457 Konstanz, Germany

Abstract

There is no shortage of political science literature on field research regarding issues of research design, methodology, and data evaluation. Yet, the practical and organisational intricacies that precede successful fieldwork are frequently overlooked. This lack of methodical advice may be due to the impression that field research is highly contextual, and so case-specific that general guidelines, which apply to all field research endeavours alike, are inconceivable. While we acknowledge the organisational complexity of field research, we disagree with the notion that the preparatory dimension of fieldwork is by necessity unique for every undertaking. Rather, recommendations for common challenges that occur during the preparation and organisation phase of a field trip can be identified and formulated. Consequently, we present and discuss ten organisational ‘do’s’ preceding successful field research. Current graduate students and future field researchers will regard these ten pointers as useful hints in the organisation of their own endeavour. While the list is by no means exhaustive, the ten recommendations will lower the organisational entry costs of aspiring field researchers, and enable them to hit the ground running upon arrival in the field.

Information

Type
Research
Copyright
Copyright © 2014 European Consortium for Political Research

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