Hello There
I hope that geographers on the list can contribute in ingenious ways
to the following survey ! Please pass this on, too, to other field
geographers in your department.
My name is Perdita Phillips. I am a PhD student at Edith Cowan
University in Perth, Australia. I am researching scientific fieldwork
as part of my project. I am seeking anecdotes about the experience of
researchers in the field, and why they might have chosen a career
with fieldwork. In this particular case I define the field broadly as
a place of research outside of the laboratory or the office.
There are three questions. Please answer in a few sentences:
1 What initiated your fieldwork experiences? (Can you describe the
first time you went into the field? How old were you? What were your
thoughts or feelings? How does it relate to what you do today?)
In birdwatching, “jizz” is the ability to recognise a bird at a
distance from its overall characteristics or pattern. It is different
from using a key or a set of characteristics in a bird guide. It is
something acquired after practice and as a result of familiarity. The
same situation occurs in many other areas of research. For example:
identifying grass species along the roadside whilst driving a car
down a highway; or maybe recognising rock types on aerial photographs
from the "look" of them.
2 Please describe an example of “jizz” in your fieldwork. (What
(briefly) is the location and when does it occur? What are the
characteristics of the “pattern”? How long does it take to get the
“jizz” of it? Do your colleagues recognise your “jizz”?)
3 What has been your most memorable field experience? (This could be
something pleasurable or frightening, moving or life defining.
Describe your thoughts or feelings).
This survey uses _snowball_ sampling where initial contact leads to
other contacts. Please pass this email on to your field colleagues.
Remember: all replies should be sent to [log in to unmask]
Deadline 31 May 2006
Your answers will be treated in confidence – you can opt to remain
completely anonymous.
This survey is conducted as part of studies at Edith Cowan
University. To fulfil the ethics requirements there is a one-page
_Statement of Disclosure/Audio Visual Release Form_ available at
http://www.perditaphillips.com All respondents will be contacted and
asked to read, sign and return the form.
Perdita Phillips
Perdita Phillips
[log in to unmask]
PO Box 747
Fremantle WA 6959
Australia
http://www.perditaphillips.com
|