Fieldwork in Complex and Hostile Places (DEVT90042)

Fieldwork is demanding and poses unique 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 and access, collect and manage data in the field. This eight-day intensive subject prepares students for undertaking detailed fieldwork for extended periods overseas in less secure and/or complex environments. Students will develop a working knowledge of what is required to develop an integrated Research Plan, Ethics Application and Fieldwork Risk Management Plan as required for postgraduate research theses.

The subject consists of four days of classroom-based lectures and four days in a scenario/simulation learning environment. Designed to deliver theoretical and practical skills, the subject is taught by a combination of academics and professional security consultants. 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 subject builds upon the introductory level of knowledge students learned in undergraduate and honours level research methods subjects, and focuses on applied research methods.

Learning applied research methods and field-craft skills will enhance student’s ability to make original contributions to knowledge. The subject equips students with a working appreciation for the major methodological, ethical and logistical challenges they are likely to confront during fieldwork. The subject is structured to be of relevance to students in social science and humanities based disciplines, and to provide skills relevant for careers in International Development, NGOs and Government agencies.

The following elements are covered in the practical training:

• Security Context
• Field Preparedness and Evacuation
• Residence Assessment Exercise
• Basics of Negotiation
• Coping with Insecure Environments: Stress Awareness
• Field Communication Equipment and Communication Protocol
• First Aid: Essentials for life support (EAR/CPR, major bleeding control & evacuation/repatriation)
• Image and Acceptance
• Vehicle Check Points/Road Blocks
• Field Security (Crowds and Mobs, Hostage Survival, Vehicle Check Points/Road Blocks, Sexual Assault, Weapons Awareness)

The practical component enables students to apply their new knowledge regarding equipment, organisation, physical and mental states, risk management and contingency planning. (i.e. what to do on arrival in-country, how to fine-tune plans, flexible organisation, importance of travelling light for mobility).

Practical skills taught through experiential scenarios include but are not limited to:

• Patterns of behaviour and predictability
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder self-assessment procedure
• How to not be a target (e.g. how and why a researcher is seen)
• What to do regarding the presence of small arms (i.e. what indicators to understand regarding their use and when under fire or in the vicinity of fire how to take cover)
• How to avoid and/or cope with threats of physical violence and physical violence