Folklore tradition is oral literature. Singers of oral songs and performers of various arts are good sources of data about folklore. Such collection of data leads to field research. This lesson explains both these aspects.

Folksongs deal with the subjects of Gods, rain and famine, lullaby, games, love, marriage, family, society, ploughing and related work and death. Thus the different stages of human life can be understood from these songs. The structures of family, and society can be analysed.

Data can be primary and secondary based on the possible collection by observation, interview and questionnaires on the one hand and newspapers. magazines, research journals and media presentation on the other.

Observations can be participant, non-participant and arranged. Interviews can be structured or unstruchured. Questionnaires may require assistance and cooperation from the subjects and others.

On learning this lesson you will be able to understand practical problems in collecting necessary data and the pre-requisities of a good researcher. Folklore creators’ involement and hesitation should be handled effectively.