What’s the wildest thing you’ve done for work lately? Traveling for fieldwork during a pandemic? As long as every safety precaution is taken. How about doing the fieldwork in Atlanta when it’s the epicenter of the pandemic? Wouldn’t be our first choice, but we’ll be extra careful. How about traveling for fielding during a pandemic to Atlanta and the field site is the same hotel that’s hosting a rally full of mask-free people? Wait, seriously? Do we even have a DND policy? We’re a bit freaked out now. Let’s take a step back.
The request came in from a client: “Are you doing in-person yet?” The Project Lead assured us protective measures would be in place: sanitizer stations, masks required, face shields optional and Bluetooth headsets to ensure a safe social distance while being able to communicate effectively. All of these precautions suggested that we would be safe – that this could be the new normal that gets researchers back in the field. So we did our research on the airlines with the safest measures and booked our flights – the first in over 6 months – and told ourselves in the days leading up to it that everything would be just fine. Famous last words, right?
The flights went off without a hitch. The airports were less densely populated and the airline ensured at least a seat between everyone on the plane. Snacks were presented in plastic bags for peace of mind. We rented a car to avoid numerous Ubers – everything we could to foster the semblance of safety. When we got to the field site for briefing, we were instructed how to use the Bluetooth headsets – except the A/V expert couldn’t get them to pair. He assured us he would continue to work on them and they would be good to go in the morning. We went to bed feeling confident and excited to be back in the field.
Fieldwork began at 9am, we checked in with A/V – the Bluetooth headsets still weren’t pairing, so we would have to proceed without them. While slightly weary, there were other safety measures in place: everyone’s temperature was checked prior to entry; masks were required, and hand sanitizing stations were placed prolifically around the space. “We’re going to be fine,” we reassured ourselves.
Around 8:40, the first participants began to roll in. We greeted them, instructed them to speak into the recorder that they alone would hold, and escorted them to tables spaced 6 feet apart. This fieldwork being a car clinic, the next phase was relatively seamless – staying a distance apart while flipping through Powerpoint slides. We were nervous about the phase involving both interviewer and interviewee sitting inside vehicles together. So we sat in the passenger seat. It was so easy to fall back into old habits. Thankfully a vigilant crew was on site to wipe down the interior of each car after use – except for the concept car itself. The best we could do was to encourage our participants to sanitize their hands before and after getting in. Another occasion to “grin and bear it.”
There were a few incidents with anti-mask participants who didn’t wear their mask over their nose and/or who vocally exclaimed how stupid it was that they had to wear them. To such respondents, we told them that they could either put their mask on properly or leave and not be paid. Compliance was immediate.
Overall, after four days of fielding, we felt pretty good about being back in person. As extroverted moderators, it’s a much more energizing dynamic to be face-to-face. And while we would do it again (and even booked leisure travel after the positive flying experience), we still believe virtual fieldwork is best until the pandemic is under control. As we’ve written elsewhere, nearly all forms of Qual research can be done virtually and done well.
But if it must be done in person, here are some lessons learned for next time:
Ensure that all safety measures are functional in advance to maintain a safe and social distance from respondents
Require both moderators and participants to be tested prior to fieldwork and if possible, have access to rapid testing on site
Ensure the field site allows for moderators and participants to maintain 6 feet between them at all times
Keep in mind that adding protective measures can increase the cost of fieldwork. This includes more than hand sanitizer, such as people to wipe down areas or technological equipment to ensure communication while maintaining a safe distance.
**All of the researchers tested negative for Covid-19 upon returning.
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