UWA Handbook 2024

Unit Overview

Description

Fieldwork can be demanding and poses unique research challenges as well as risks to the security and safety of the researcher and research participants. Fieldwork also relies on the researcher's ability to clearly understand their research design and methods in order to effectively and ethically access, collect and manage data in the field.

This subject is taught intensively over an eight-day period. It is delivered in two parts, comprised of four days of classroom-based lectures and four days in a scenario/simulation learning environment. It covers applied research philosophy, methodologies, field skills and techniques to prepare students for undertaking detailed fieldwork research with vulnerable research participants and/or for extended periods in less secure, complex and/or hostile environments.

The content is taught by a combination of academics and professional security consultants. The academic component, which addresses applied research methods, principles of research risk management and university risk management is taught by Dr Scott Flower. The practical field training is delivered by Red R, who are recognised as an accredited training provider by the United Nations, Australian Government agencies such as the Department of Foreign and Trade Affairs, and numerous humanitarian NGOs, including World Vision and Oxfam. Red R trainers are highly experienced humanitarian workers and ex-military personnel.

Credit

6 points

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) have an advanced understanding of complex and hostile environments and be able to manage risks whilst undertaking effective research; (2) have the capability to efficiently and effectively draft a Research Plan, Ethics Application and Risk Management Plan (with supporting documentation); (3) understand the University's Risk Management, OHS, Security and Travel Guidelines; (4) understand the range of ethical issues confronting researchers, participants and universities when undertaking fieldwork research; (5) select specific research methods and analytical tools that are appropriate (intellectually, psychologically and practically) for addressing their research question and collected data in a complex and hostile place among vulnerable research populations; (6) be confident completing practical scenarios that demonstrate their awareness of the key personal security challenges confronting researchers in the field and how to respond appropriately to mitigate or manage such risks; (7) have the ability to make plans and decisions regarding fieldwork (prior to, during and post-deployment) as part of an overarching research strategy; (8) be awarded a 'Stay Safe' personal security qualification from the International Red Cross; and (9) achieve a personal security and communications certificate by Red R, which is recognised by the United Nations and Australian Government.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) participation; (2) written fieldwork report; and (3) a research plan. Further information is available in the unit outline.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the participation component.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Scott Flower

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Completion of 24 points of postgraduate study.
Students must submit a Researcher Profile Self-assessment prior to enrolment as part of an expression of interest in undertaking this unit.

Co-requisites

SOCS5911 Fieldwork in Complex and Hostile Places Part 1

Advisable prior study

Students enrolling in this subject ideally should have undertaken coursework in Research Methods at undergraduate
or Honours level
or have gained introductory level knowledge of research methodologies through career experience.

Approved quota: 30—selection Criteria: This subject requires submission of a Researcher Self-assessment form to the subject contact 10 days before the Pre-teaching Period Start date. Places in the subject will be allocated in order of satisfactory submissions received, with preference given to students in Master of International Relations or Master of International Development Studies, and to students who have impending travel overseas that need specific training to operate in complex or less secure environments.
Confirmation of enrolment will be notified to students, and unsuccessful applicants will be removed from the subject and advised via email.

Incidental fees

Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available here).
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):
Costs associated with Red R certifiable field training (estimated cost - 200).

Contact hours

Total of 96 contact hours: 3 day intensive of lectures at Crawley campus, 4 day practical and lecture intensive at Shenton Park Field Station and final day of lectures and group work at Crawley campus.

Texts

Surviving Field Research (Routledge 2009)

Designing and conducting mixed methods research (Sage 2011, 2nd edition)

Operational Security Management in Violent Environments (December 10 2010) Humanitarian Practice Network