AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Field notes are widely recommended in qualitative research as a means of documenting needed contextual information. With growing use of data sharing, secondary analysis, and metasynthesis, field notes ensure rich context persists beyond the original research team.

Detailed explanation-2: -Observation in qualitative research “is one of the oldest and most fundamental research methods approaches. This approach involves collecting data using one’s senses, especially looking and listening in a systematic and meaningful way” (McKechnie, 2008, p. 573).

Detailed explanation-3: -The notes are intended to be read as evidence that gives meaning and aids in the understanding of the phenomenon. Fieldnotes allow researchers to access the subject and record what they observe in an unobtrusive manner.

Detailed explanation-4: -Fieldnotes are most often taken during observations, but a researcher could also take fieldnotes for other research methods. For example, during an interview or focus group to either compliment an audio recording or serve as the data set if an interviewee or focus group member declines to be audio recorded.