Who will do the field work?

Once the research plan has been created, the fieldwork phase begins. Fieldwork may be conducted by scholars, undergraduate or graduate students, the staff of the community-based organization, and/or the population served by the community-based organization.

It is important that the division of labor be clear, and perceived as fair, by everyone involved in the project.

In some cases, community organizations don't have the time or the "people power" to carry out the research project themselves. In other cases, the community has time and people interested in carrying out the research project, and may see the project as a way to obtain useful training for community members.

There is a sense in the community that funders are raising the level of minimum education and certification for organizations to be competitive for grants. Training for community members during a research project may make it more likely for them to obtain much-needed grant money down the road.



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