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Safety in the field

Not rules, but suggestions to consider as you’re planning research.

Planning

  • Include ethical and safety considerations in your research plan
  • Do some research into your participant group before you start recruiting. Where do they live? What are their norms?
  • Protect personal information (your own, just like you would a participant’s)
  • Arrange for appropriate transportation to and from the site.

Before you head out

  • Don’t research without a buddy (both in-office and in-field).
  • Do a research 101 session with your team. Listen to their questions and concerns so they can be more comfortable in the field.
  • Discuss any concerns you have about your safety with teammates.

During the session

  • Make your role clear to the participant.
  • Communicate your expectations and limitations clearly. Is there anything you don’t want participants to do?
  • Make sure the participant knows they can leave or refuse to answer questions anytime.
  • Similarly, do not feel obligated to answer all questions from participants.
  • Stay in communication with the people managing the space you’re in (where applicable).
  • Have a way of discretely communicating that you’re uncomfortable to your team, like a “codeword”.

Afterwards

Check in with yourself after fieldwork. How are you feeling? Do you need some time off?

Just in case

  • Tell someone where you’re going before you leave.
  • Know how to contact security or police in your location.

- Last updated by Colin on March 25, 2019