1. BE ORGANIZED!!!
Use a computer for data management
“If you cannot type or use computers…
take a crash course or choose another
calling” Bogdan & Biklen (2003), p.
111.
Back up your files frequently!
Fieldnotes

2. Use computer file-naming conventions, e.g.,
2006_interview_Jones_notes
2006_interview_Jones_transcript
2006_interview_Jones_coded
2006_fieldnotes_original
2006_fieldnotes_expanded
2006_fieldnotes_coded

3. Descriptive (Condensed  Expanded)
Reflective (Condensed  Expanded)
Memos (Notes to self, emerging themes,
ideas to explore, plans)

4. Fieldnote Tips:
•Use a portable word processor or laptop for
fieldnotes
•Write fieldnotes immediately, do NOT wait
until later
•Start a new paragraph for every new
“episode”
•Organize information chronologically
•Distinguish your reflections in brackets, ALL
CAPS, or use some other visual convention
•Leave large margins for hardcopy coding (or
use columns)

5. PORTRAITS OF THE PARTICIPANTS
This includes their physical appearance,
dress, mannerisms, and style of talking
and acting. Look for particular aspects of
people that might set them apart from
others and tell you about their interests
and affiliations.

6. RECONSTRUCTION OF DIALOGUE
The conversations that go on between
participants are recorded as well as what
participants say to you directly. Strive to
capture the participants’ language, in their
own words. Quote the participants. Write
down words or phrases that are unique to
the setting or that have a special use in
the setting.

7. DESCRIPTION OF THE PHYSICAL SETTING
Drawings of the space and furniture
arrangements are useful. Verbal sketches
of things such as the contents of bulletin
boards, the furniture, the floors, the walls—
the general feel of the room—may also be
included. Try to capture the sense of the
building or location–the context.

8. ACCOUNTS OF PARTICULAR EVENTS
List who was involved, in what manner,
and the nature of the action.

9. DEPICTION OF ACTIVITIES
Include detailed descriptions of behavior and
try to reproduce the sequence of both
behaviors and particular acts.

10. YOUR BEHAVIOR
Treat yourself as an object of scrutiny, too.
Because you are the instrument of data
collection, it is very important to take stock of
your own behavior, assumptions, and whatever
else might affect the data that are gathered
and analyzed.

11. REFLECTIVE FIELDNOTES
Reflections on analysis
Reflections on method
Reflections on ethical dilemmas and
conflicts
Reflections on the observer’s frame of
mind
Points of clarification