9. In the field

General

• Timing of visits

• Involvement of local authorities in preparing and announcing the visits

• Attitude towards local population

• Motivation of respondents and officials (recognition of identity, explanation of goals, payment)

• Interviewing techniques based on knowledge of local codes of social interaction

 

Finding good informants

• Local authorities that have lived long in the region and have information on recent developments

• Official persons (religious officials, mayors, public notaries, postmasters)

• Local population widely traveled over the area, shopkeepers

 

Problems encountered

• Accessibility of local authorities

• Officials being young, ignorant, not native to the area

• Timid population

• Language problems

• Accessibility of respondents

• Outdated and/or incorrect maps