Dear Mary,
to answer your question directly, I think it is always appropriate to 
request disclosure of field notes.  As a detailed record of data 
collection, the notes are an important part of establishing the 
conditions for replicating a study.  Like other forms of data and data 
collection processes, I think the researcher has a responsibility to 
make these available and transparent.  King, Keohane, and Verba (1994) 
have a discussion of this.

That being said, your concern about the confidentiality of your sources 
and personal matters are perfectly valid and I do not mean to diminish 
the importance of those concerns.  You obviously have a responsibility 
to your subjects and to future research projects to maintain trust.  I 
think that the solution would be to provide a redacted version of your 
field notes. 

Sincerely,

Ryan


-- 
Ryan D. Enos

Assistant Professor of Government
Harvard University

http://ryandenos.com



Mary Breeding wrote:
> Dear Colleagues,
>
> I write to pose a question for consideration: When, if ever, is it
> appropriate for a reviewer, donor, boss, or even advisor to request copies
> of your field notes in an academic setting?
>
> I raise this question as I was recently approached by a senior person/group
> of persons with  influence over my research funding and publication and
> asked to share copies of field notes.  The question felt like it was really
> breaching what is appropriate and inappropriate disclosure in conducting
> fieldwork.  A request for coded data from interviews is one thing, but
> asking for original notes and transcripts, seems very inappropriate.
>
> My field notes, and even notes from interviews, are quite personal. My field
> notes often include personal first impressions and observations from
> interviews, meetings, and events. I've always considered field notes like a
> personal journal. I often include details and happenings shared with me
> off-the-record by officials and respondents I've interviewed. In a few
> instances, details shared with me could lead to legal repercussions of the
> individuals interviewed.  Further, I often write in shorthand. I keep notes
> of personal as well as professional contacts in my field notes.
>
> When I was recently approached and asked to share copies of my field notes
> and interviews, I was quite taken aback. I would be very grateful to hear
> others' views on this matter.
>
> I appreciate your feedback.
>
> Best regards,
> Mary
>
>   

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