Stories from the Field

We talk to political scientists about what field research looks like on the ground. In each episode, we bring on expert guests to discuss different ethical and logistical aspects of the field research process, based on the book we co-edited with the same title: Stories From the Field: A Guide to Navigating Fieldwork in Political Science (Columbia University Press, 2020).

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Stories from the Field

Introduction: Welcome to Stories from the Field

January 24, 2021 • Peter Krause and Ora Szekely • Season 1 • Episode 1

In this introductory episode, Peter and Ora discuss the evolving definition of "field research," which is conventionally defined as research conducted outside of one’s institution to observe, interact with, and interview people, work in the archives, and otherwise learn about a place and its politics and society. Regardless of where and how it is conducted, field research poses numerous logistical and ethical challenges, which this podcast is designed to help you navigate.

We begin by talking about the origin story and plan for our book Stories from the Field , then discuss what the book and podcast are (and what they are not), and conclude by previewing the podcast episodes to come. Enjoy, and welcome to the podcast!

Producers: Harper Barbaree, John Gehman, Alyssa Iferenta
Editors: Garrett Madden, Madison Sarka, Sam Biasi, Shavonne Farrell