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9 - Field Research Methods

from Part II - Basic Design Considerations to Know, No Matter What Your Research Is About

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 December 2024

By
Sherry Jueyu Wu  and
Rebecca Littman
Edited by
Harry T. Reis ,
Tessa West  and
Charles M. Judd
Harry T. Reis
Affiliation:
University of Rochester, New York
Tessa West
Affiliation:
New York University
Charles M. Judd
Affiliation:
University of Colorado Boulder
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Summary

Field research refers to research conducted with a high degree of naturalism. The first part of this chapter provides a definition of field research and discusses advantages and limitations. We then provide a brief overview of observational field research methods, followed by an in-depth overview of experimental field research methods. We discuss randomization schemes of different types in field experimentation, such as cluster randomization, block randomization, and randomized rollout or waitlist designs, as well as statistical implementation concerns when conducting field experiments, including spillover, attrition, and noncompliance. The second part of the chapter provides an overview of important considerations when conducting field research. We discuss the psychology of construal in the design of field research, conducting non-WEIRD field research, replicability and generalizability, and how technological advances have impacted field research. We end by discussing career considerations for psychologists who want to get involved in field research.

Keywords

field researchfield experimentsresearch methodologynaturalismresearch designgeneralizabilitycausal inferencepractical guidance
Type
Chapter
Information
Handbook of Research Methods in Social and Personality Psychology , pp. 193 - 218
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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