In the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) methodology, a field visit serves to provide scholars with practical experience in empirical research, exposing them to the realities of data collection, analysis, and report writing for studies on disadvantaged groups. Field visits help scholars understand the ontology and epistemology of social science research, develop skills in using quantitative and qualitative data, and gain insight into various social concepts like caste, tribe, and gender.
Key Purposes of Field Visits in ICSSR Research
Empirical Research Exposure: Field visits allow scholars to engage directly with the social realities they are studying, making the research process tangible.
Methodological Training: Scholars gain practical experience in data collection and analysis by interacting with the “field” and applying various research techniques.
Conceptual Understanding: Visits facilitate a deeper understanding of how concepts like caste, gender, religious minorities, and persons with disability are studied in their actual context.
Data Analysis Skills: Scholars learn to effectively use and analyze both quantitative and qualitative information obtained from the field.
Report Writing Skills: The practical experience gained during field visits aids scholars in their ability to review and write comprehensive research findings and analysis.
Addressing Societal Challenges: By promoting evidence-based research through such initiatives, ICSSR aims to help find solutions to contemporary social challenges in India.
Field visits in the ICSSR-sponsored Research Methodology courses are designed to provide practical exposure to scholars in applying research techniques beyond classroom learning. The objectives include:
Exposure to empirical settings: Understanding the social, cultural, and institutional realities of research subjects.
Application of research tools: Practicing data collection methods such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observations.
Understanding context: Linking theoretical methods to ground realities of communities, organizations, or projects.
Skill-building: Training participants in field note-taking, rapport building, ethical considerations, and real-time problem-solving.
Demonstration: Showing how sampling, questionnaires, or qualitative methods can be applied in real field settings.
2. Activities during a Field Visit
Depending on the theme of the Research Methodology course, field visits may include:
(a) Orientation and Briefing
Introduction about the field site (village, urban community, NGO, government department, research institution, etc.).
Explaining objectives, protocols, and ethical considerations.
(b) Data Collection Demonstration
Administering structured or semi-structured questionnaires.
Conducting in-depth interviews with key stakeholders.
Organizing focus group discussions (FGDs).
Demonstrating participant and non-participant observation techniques.
(c) Exposure to Institutions and Practices
Visits to government offices, archives, libraries, panchayats, or NGOs to understand record-keeping and governance processes.
Demonstration of participatory rural appraisal (PRA) or mapping techniques in community settings.
(d) Interaction with Respondents/Stakeholders
Engaging with villagers, workers, students, or officials.
Learning methods of rapport building and managing biases.
(e) Documentation and Reflection
Writing field notes.
Preparing reflective reports and discussions in the classroom after returning.
Linking field experiences with methodological concepts (sampling errors, reliability, validity, etc.).
3. Expenses That Can Be Shown
ICSSR provides financial assistance under its research methodology courses, including support for field visits. The following expenses can typically be shown:
(a) Travel Expenses
Bus/Train fare (second-class or sleeper class for participants, economy for faculty as per ICSSR norms).
Hired vehicle/tempo traveller/bus for collective field visit.
Local conveyance (auto, taxi, or shared transport to field site).
(b) Boarding and Lodging
If the field site is outside the host city, reasonable accommodation expenses for participants and faculty.
Meals/refreshments during the field visit.
(c) Stationery and Documentation
Photocopying questionnaires, interview schedules, or PRA sheets.
Notebooks, pens, or recording material used during fieldwork.
Printing ID cards or badges (if required).
(d) Honorarium / Token Payments
Honorarium to local resource persons (such as NGO representatives, local leaders, or government officials) for their time and guidance.
Token of appreciation for community members (sometimes given in the form of refreshments or small support items).
(e) Miscellaneous / Contingency
Refreshments/tea/snacks for respondents during focus groups or community meetings.
Photography or audio recording expenses (if needed for documentation and allowed under ethical guidelines).
Field assistance wages for local guides, translators, or helpers.
4. Documentation for Transparency
When reporting expenses to ICSSR, the following records should be maintained:
Travel bills (tickets, receipts, fuel bills if vehicle hired).
Accommodation bills (hotel/guest house receipts).
Honorarium receipts signed by recipients.
Stationery/printing bills with vendor details.
Signed attendance sheet of participants for the field visit.
✅ In summary:Field visits under ICSSR methodology courses focus on applying research tools in real-world contexts, including data collection, observation, and stakeholder interaction. Expenses that can be shown include travel, accommodation, meals, stationery, honorarium for resource persons, and minor contingencies — provided they are documented with receipts and follow ICSSR’s financial norms.
