Fieldwork is the practical work done by a researcher in a specific area of knowledge. Eriksen has defined fieldwork in the specific context of social anthropological methods. He observes:
A principal requirement in fieldwork consists of trying to take part in local life as much as possible. Anthropologists also use a variety of specified formal techniques for the collection of data.
Depending on the kind of fieldwork one is engaged in structural interviews, statistical sampling and other techniques may be required to varying degrees. Most anthropologists depend on a combination of formal techniques and unstructured participant observation in their field- work.
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In defining the fieldwork method, Eriksen links fieldwork with field methods. The researcher resides in the field and also generates data through the administration of structured schedule and observation.
It must be observed at this level that administration of schedule does not seem to be relevant in the case where the primitives are not sophisticated in education and social and cultural life.
Generally, field- work means to live in the field and identify with the people. Yet another requirement of fieldwork is a prolonged stay. According to British tradition, it is expected from a researcher to live in the field for at least two years.
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This period could extend up to one year more. In India, M.N. Srinivas says that the researcher should reside in the field for about a year. Thus, the first need for a researcher is to identify himself with the local people, and second, reside in the field for a prolonged period.