Types of Field Notes

Groenewald (2004) describes the 4 types of field notes he used in his phenomenological research:

• Observational notes (ON) — 'what happened notes' deemed important enough to the researcher to make. Bailey (1996) emphasises the use of all the senses in making observations.
• Theoretical notes (TN) — 'attempts to derive meaning' as the researcher thinks or reflects on experiences.
• Methodological notes (MN) — 'reminders, instructions or critique' to oneself on the process.
• Analytical memos (AM) — end-of-a-field-day summary or progress reviews

Sources cited:
Groenewald, T. (2004). A phenomenological research design illustrated. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 3(1). Article 4.