A person who conducts research, observations, or work outside an office or laboratory, directly in natural or social environments; an anthropologist, sociologist, or agricultural worker engaged in hands-on field study.
Compound of 'field' and 'worker' (Old Norse 'veorc,' work). Became prominent in academic terminology during the 20th century as social sciences emphasized direct observation and data collection in real-world settings.
Fieldworkers in anthropology often stay with communities for months or years—their presence changes what they observe, a paradox philosophers call 'observer effect,' which is why good fieldworkers must document their own influence on their research.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.