Field Study

A field study refers to research that is undertaken in the real world, where the confines of a laboratory setting are abandoned in favor of a natural setting. This form of research generally prohibits the direct manipulation of the environment by the researcher. However, sometimes, independent and dependent variables already exist within the social structure under study, and inferences can then be drawn about behaviors, social attitudes, values, and beliefs. It must be noted that a field study is separate from the concept of a field experiment. Overall, field studies belong to the category of nonexperimental designs where the researcher uses what already exists in the environment. Alternatively, field experiments refer to the category of experimental designs where the researcher follows the scientific process of formulating and testing hypotheses by invariably manipulating some aspect of the environment. It is important that prospective researchers understand the types, aims, and issues; the factors that need to be considered; and the advantages and concerns raised when conducting the field study type of research.

Field studies belong to the category of nonexperimental design. These studies include the case study—an in-depth observation of one organization, individual, or animal; naturalistic observation—observation of an environment without any attempt to interfere with variables; participant observer study—observation through the researcher's submergence into the group under study; and phenomenology—observation derived from the researcher's personal experiences. The two specific aims of field studies are exploratory research and hypothesis testing. Exploratory research seeks to examine what exists in order to have a better idea about the dynamics that operate within the natural setting. Here, the acquisition of knowledge is the main objective. With hypothesis testing, the field study seeks to determine whether the null hypothesis or the alternative hypothesis best predicts the relationship of variables in the specific context; assumptions can then be used to inform future research.