Final answer:
The records used by researchers to track observations during field research are known as field notes or research log. These logs help organize observations, data, and sources, which are critical for formulating hypotheses and results.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for the records that researchers use to keep track of the details observed while conducting field research is often referred to as field notes or a research log. These records may include field notebooks, digital recordings, photographs, or even a collection of memorabilia. The use of tools such as Todoist or EndNote can help in organizing these notes. Additionally, maintaining a research log is crucial for keeping track of both primary field research data and secondary sources. When conducting field observations, it is pertinent for researchers to record all observations accurately to ensure that they can generate reliable hypotheses and results.
Researchers should be prepared for their observations by using a research log to note their preliminary work. They need to be alert and open-minded, ready to capture accurate details that will inform their study. As patterns in the data emerge, researchers can refine their questions and focus their observations to support the formation of hypotheses.
It is also important to track all sources of information accurately to ensure that they can be referenced later if needed and properly credited in reports or papers. This attention to detail is crucial for both in-depth research and for more casual background reading or interviewing.