Stories from the Field: A Guide to Navigating Fieldwork in Political Science

About this book

What do you do if you get stuck in an elevator in Mogadishu? How worried should you be about being followed after an interview with a ring of human traffickers in Lebanon? What happens to your research if you get placed on a government watchlist? And what if you find yourself feeling like you just arent cut out for fieldwork? Stories from the Field is a relatable thoughtful and unorthodox guide to field research in political science. It features personal stories from working political scientists: some funny some dramatic all fascinating and informative. Political scientists from a diverse range of biographical and academic backgrounds describe research in North and South America Africa Asia Europe and the Middle East ranging from archival work to interviews with combatants. In sharing their stories the books forty-four contributors provide accessible illustrations of key concepts including specific research methods like conducting surveys and interviews practical questions of health and safety and general principles such as the importance of flexibility creativity and interpersonal connections. The contributors reflect not only on their own experiences but also on larger questions about research ethics responsibility and the effects of their personal and professional identities on their fieldwork. Stories from the Field is an essential resource for graduate and advanced undergraduate students learning about field research methods as well as established scholars contemplating new journeys into the field.