Field Notes capture the immediate observations, environmental details, and experiential impressions recorded during on‑site work. They preserve the raw conditions of a location before interpretation, ensuring that analysis remains grounded in what was actually present rather than what is later remembered or assumed.
Each entry reflects the sensory environment, spatial layout, cultural context, and any notable shifts or conditions observed during fieldwork. Field Notes are not conclusions. They are the first layer of documentation—direct, unfiltered, and anchored in the moment of engagement.
Field Notes protect the integrity of the record. They ensure that analysis begins with what is real, not what is imagined.
Field Notes Format
Field Notes follow a consistent structure to ensure clarity and reliability across all documented locations. Each entry includes the environmental conditions, spatial layout, cultural context, and immediate observations recorded during the visit. The format emphasizes accuracy, neutrality, and attention to detail.
This structure allows Field Notes to remain comparable across regions and time periods, supporting both analytical work and long‑term documentation.
The format is designed to preserve what was present, not to interpret what it might mean.
© 2026 Institute of Paranormal Analytical Sciences
