Fieldwork Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🌍
fieldwork
[ˈfildˌwərk ]
Definition
research context
Fieldwork refers to the collection of data outside of a laboratory or controlled environment. It is commonly used in disciplines such as anthropology, archaeology, and environmental science, where researchers gather information directly from the field to study specific phenomena or cultures.
Synonyms
data collection, field research, investigation, research.
Examples of usage
- The anthropologist conducted fieldwork in a remote village.
- Fieldwork is essential for gathering firsthand data for the study.
- She spent the summer doing fieldwork on climate change impact.
- The geologist's fieldwork involved mapping rock formations.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In biology, researchers perform fieldwork to observe animals and plants in their natural habitats to understand their behaviors.
- Field studies in geology involve collecting rock and soil samples directly from locations to analyze Earth's history.
- Environmental science uses fieldwork to monitor ecosystems, assessing the impact of human activities.
Anthropology
- Anthropologists conduct fieldwork to immerse themselves in different cultures, often living with communities to gain insights.
- This type of research helps document traditions and practices, preserving cultural heritage.
- Field methods include interviews, participant observation, and collecting artifacts.
Literature
- Writers often use fieldwork by visiting locations to create richer and more authentic settings in their stories.
- The practice has influenced genres like memoir and creative non-fiction, where authors weave personal experiences into their narratives.
- Fieldwork in literature can evoke emotions, making the narrative relatable and vivid.
Technology
- Fieldwork has been enhanced by modern technology, like GPS and drones, allowing for precise data collection.
- Mobile applications are used in fieldwork to gather data in real time and share it instantly with researchers.
- Virtual fieldwork experiences have emerged, allowing students to explore remote locations digitally.
Origin of 'fieldwork'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'field' comes from the Old English 'feld,' meaning an open land or area.
- 'Work' has roots in the Old English 'weorc,' referring to effort or exertion.
- The combination reflects the practice of gathering information directly from the environment.
The term 'fieldwork' originates from the combination of 'field', indicating an outdoor or natural setting, and 'work', referencing the act of doing or engaging in a task. The usage of the term has evolved over time, particularly in academic and scientific contexts, to describe hands-on research activities carried out in the real world. The concept gained prominence in the 19th century as various social sciences developed, with researchers needing to step outside the confines of their study rooms and engage with their subjects directly. In disciplines like anthropology and geology, the need for empirical data collected in situ became increasingly recognized, solidifying 'fieldwork' as a foundational practice. Today, it encompasses various methodologies across numerous fields, underscoring the importance of direct observation and interaction in empirical research.