TECHNIQUES

Letter to Friends

Taking field notes is the bread and butter of good research. This is a field note technique to reflect on the different masks we wear in our interactions. You’ll write letters to friends, family and colleagues as a way to reflect over the research experience through different voices.

Written by

Gioel Gioacchino

Edited by

Denisse Albornoz

Developed by

Stages:Data Analysis* Data Collection

This technique is inspired by ‘One, No One and One Hundred Thousand’, a famous Italian novel in which the protagonist becomes aware that there are many versions of himself, and has a sort of existential crisis. We have used this technique as a way to ‘download’ an experience after a workshop, do participatory observation or to process any type of learning experience you would like to record.

What are we trying to understand about the community/group?

With this technique you are trying to reflect about your role and positionality in the research process. How do I see the world? How do I perceive the experiences I am having?

Why is it important for the community’s/group's development?

This exercise reminds you that there is not one single reality.

At what stage(s) of the research cycle is this method used?

Data Collection, Data Analysis. You can use this technique during your research, while managing a project, or in any situation where you need to reflect over your lived experience.

What do I need?

Some time, pen and paper. Or a tablet or laptop. Inspiration. And a friend to write to.

How long does it take?

30 minutes

Think of a friend, family member, colleague or co-participant

Write a line or two about who they are. (e.g. Laura is 30 and she is Colombian. She works at 'X' organization in Bogota. We are colleagues, but we also became good friends in the process.)

Write your letter

Make sure to write down the date, time, and place of the story you are about to tell .

Be specific about the facts, numbers, and details of what happens in your story

Write about your sensory experience (What did you see, hear, feel, smell, taste?)

Comment on your perception, keeping in mind your are writing to your friend - as a target audience.

What are the benefits of using this technique?

It allows you to keep good ethnographic notes
It will help you reflect over cultural differences
It pushes you to reflect on how your experience would be perceived by different people – it expands the way you understand your experience
It makes you reflect on what you have seen and experienced – creating meaning and significance for you, while making you realize that the meaning you assign to a situation and experience is relative
It makes you reflect over ethical dilemmas in how we interpret the realities we observe

What are the challenges of using this technique?

For it to be useful, it should be done regularly. If you systematically write letters, you can use the material of the letters as data.

Try to write the letter as soon as you are done with an experience. You will forget lots of important details if you don’t write them right away! If you cannot write the letter right away, jotting down brief words or phrases during your experience will help you remember more details.

Pick 3 people that you respect, ideally from diverse backgrounds).

Notice the different tone and language you use to share the story. How do you expect them to respond to the situation?

This reflection should help you become aware of your own assumptions and interpretations