What do "field notes" represent in qualitative research?

Field notes are crucial in qualitative research as they represent detailed observations and reflections made during fieldwork. Researchers use field notes to document their experiences, interactions, and the context in which they are conducting their study. This documentation allows them to capture nuances that may not be evident in other forms of data, such as interviews or surveys. Field notes can encompass direct observations of behaviors, descriptions of settings, interactions with participants, and thoughts or interpretations that arise during the research process. This depth of detail is essential for later analysis and understanding of the qualitative data, helping researchers to make sense of their findings in the context of the social phenomena they are studying.