Some Methodological Problems of Field Studies

Strategies of research in the field are examined, with particular reference to quantitative documentation. To avoid fruitless contreoversy it is necessary to distinguish among frequency data, incidents (and histories), and institutionalized norms and statuses; and to recognize that the "participant observer" employs not one but three methods-participant observation, informant interviewing, and enumeration (or sampling). Three strategies are fundamental, according to criteria used here: enumeration to document frequency data; participant observation to describe indicents; and informant interviewing to learn institutionalized norms and statuses. Other strategies are not ruled out and nine that are frequently used are examined here.