What is the main purpose of a fieldwork diary?

• A. To store raw data only.
• B. To record plans, observations, decisions, issues, and reflections during fieldwork for reliability and evaluation.
• C. To maintain attendance records for the team.
• D. To prepare final exam answers.

Answer: (B)

A fieldwork diary is about recording the whole fieldwork process—plans, observations, decisions, issues, and reflections—so the work can be checked for reliability and evaluated later. By jotting down what was planned, what actually happened, the choices made in collecting data, any problems that arose, and how those problems affected results, you create a clear trail that shows why conclusions were reached and whether methods were appropriate. This transparency helps you identify biases, errors, or limitations and think about improvements for future fieldwork, and it provides solid evidence when you report findings. The diary isn’t meant for storing raw data alone, keeping attendance, or preparing exam answers, which don’t capture the ongoing process and reasoning behind the data.