Field Techniques and Applications

Question 1

What is the scientific processes?

Answer 1

Loop:
1. Observe 
2. Question
3. Predict 
4. Gather Data 
5. Analyse
6 Evaluate

Question 2

What should be considered when thinking about project logistics?

Answer 2

• Ethics approval
• Risk assessment
• Equipment
• Site permissions
• Planning

Question 3

Why do we need to get ethics approval?

Answer 3

To ensure research conducted in the name of the university is ethical.

Question 4

How do you apply for ethics approval and what is needed?

Answer 4

• Apply via an online system: ergo2.soton.ac.uk
• Answer the questionnaire and attach supporting documentation required:
• > Create a new submission
• > Name
• > Add coordinators
• > Complete questionnaire
• > Attachments: Ethics form, templates, tips and common mistakes, project documents e.g. survey
• > Submit: 1. Project supervisor 2. Committee
• > Improvements
• > Final submission

Question 5

When do you apply for ethics approval?

Answer 5

Allow 10 working days (2 weeks) for initial consideration, then another 10 working days for consideration of any amendments

Question 6

Why do we need a risk assessment?

Answer 6

To keep you (researchers) and the wider public safe

Question 7

What is a risk assessment?

Answer 7

A process that documents your assessment of the magnitude and likelihood of hazards/risks associated with your research and how you will reduce these

Question 8

When does the risk assessment need to be approved?

Answer 8

Before practical work begins

Question 9

Where can risk assessments be found?

Answer 9

Sharepoint -> Teams -> Health & Safety

https://sotonac.sharepoint.com/teams/HealthSafetyRisk

Question 10

Where can equipment use be applied for?

Answer 10

Sharepoint -> Teams -> School of Geography & Environmental Science Technical Support
https://sotonac.sharepoint.com/teams/SchoolofGeographyandEnvironmentalScienceTechnicalSupport

Question 11

Why do we need to get site permission?

Answer 11

To ensure that you have permission to access the study site and collect the required data

Question 12

What is site permission?

Answer 12

WRITTEN permission from the landowner or site manager

NOTE: needed for authorities and official use

Question 13

When should site permission be gotten?

Answer 13

Varies - leave more time than you think (weeks, not days)

Question 14

What is a good way of planning for a project?

Answer 14

Using a GANTT Chart (waterfall method):

• List tasks
• Estimate times
• Work out bottlenecks
• Realise you should have started last month!