Final answer:
Scratch notes are quick, preliminary notes with keywords and phrases, taken during observations. Full-field notes are detailed and comprehensive, capturing exhaustive sensory details for a thick description of the observations. The distinction between them is essential for the accuracy and depth of field research data.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fieldwork in various disciplines often requires taking notes when researchers are observing their subjects. Scratch notes are preliminary notes taken during observations. These notes typically include keywords and phrases and serve as a reminder of more detailed observations to be elaborated upon later. On the other hand, full field notes are comprehensive and detailed, capturing a deep level of description, known as thick description, which includes every sensory detail possible such as smells, sounds, sights, textures, and physical sensations.
Scratch notes tend to be quick and brief, while full field notes require more substantial time commitment and effort to articulate the observations experienced thoroughly. Full field notes would often contain exhaustive details and are written as soon after the observation as possible, to ensure accuracy and richness of details. The process of taking these notes is critical to field research and serves as the basis for generating original data that contributes to the knowledge and understanding of the research subject.