ABSTRACT
Community-based research often draws on multiple methods and approaches in order to gather high quality quantitative and qualitative data. This chapter argues that understanding what lies beneath data is as important as knowing the outcomes of research. Model of training is the 'Partnership' model, where the researcher and fieldworker work in partnership in order to conduct effective fieldwork. The chapter uses the term 'fieldworker' to refer to all those responsible for gathering data in a research setting. It draws on both the international literature as well as the experience of the authors in order to provide readers with a very practical insight into the recruitment, selection, training and supporting of fieldworkers. The chapter emphasizes the need for researchers to reflect on the fieldwork process in order to support and promote high quality data collection and integrity. The significant responsibilities that fieldworkers may have in terms of engaging with participants, gathering data and conducting the fieldwork in an ethical manner.
