fieldstudy
Field study refers to research conducted outside controlled laboratory or clinic settings, in real-world environments. It prioritizes context and natural behavior, seeking ecological validity and in-depth understanding of phenomena as they occur naturally. The term encompasses a range of approaches, from systematic observation to experimental work conducted in situ.
It is widely used across disciplines, including ecology, geology, anthropology, sociology, education, epidemiology, and environmental science.
Data collection relies on field notes, recordings, and instrument-based measurements, often supplemented by GIS, GPS, mobile
Challenges include observer effects, bias, logistical constraints, weather, and limited control over confounding factors. Field studies