Field notes are:

• detailed notes taken to remember and record the behaviors, activities, events, and other features of an observation setting;
• intended to be read by the researcher to produce meaning and understanding of the culture, social situation, or phenomenon being studied;
• one form of anthropological ethnographic research to learn about culture through the daily lives of people and communities;
• can be used as a learning tool for students to complete small scale observational activities.

Field notes generally include the following types of information:

1. Descriptive information, in which you attempt to accurately document factual data [e.g., date and time] along with the settings, actions, behaviors, and conversations that you observe.
2. Reflective/Interpretative information, in which you record your thoughts, ideas, questions, and concerns during the observation.

Adapted from the Sacred Heart University research guide on Writing a Field Report