Chapter 2

  While reading Chapter 2 pages 86 to 108 in Field Working: Reading and Research Guide I learned how important note taking was. Not only to take notes, but to review them over and over. Also, to visit the subject which you are taking notes on continuously. This became apparent when Samuel H. Scudder told his story of taking notes on a simple fish. He explained how annoyed he had become at his professor for making him see every detail of the fish. In the end, Scudder comes to appreciate what his professor made him do. He learned how important it was to get every detail. Then, you’ll truly be able to see the fish. This is true for our ethnography projects. I have to visit my subject multiple times. That way I will be able to notice more details every time.

This is also true for taking notes. One must review their notes over and over again. By reviewing the notes it will make the mind more capable of forming an opinion or more thoughts on the subject. Something you write down the first time may have a whole new meaning the third or fourth time you view the subject.