Final answer:
Field research preparation involves considering the size and type of area, necessary resources, and desired thoroughness, as well as personal, social, and physical sacrifices. One must manage personal effects, choose appropriate organizational equipment and plan the research methodology including data collection and scheduling.
Step-by-step explanation:
When preparing for field research, one must consider various factors that go beyond the research topic itself. This includes determining the size and type of area to cover, the people and equipment needed, and the degree of thoroughness required.
To set specific goals, one should think about the 5 W's: Who is involved, What is the goal, Where to conduct the research, When it needs to be completed, and Why it is being done. This preparation affects personal, social, and physical aspects and may require sacrifices in these areas.
Managing personal effects, selecting the right organizational equipment and systems to collect data, and scheduling are also critical components. The selection of field sources, like contacts and sites, can greatly strengthen the argument or add to the report, necessitating a combination of research methods such as observations, interviews, and surveys.