Which of the following is least appropriate content in a field note?

• A. Descriptions of observable events
• B. Time and location of events
• C. Speculation about motives without evidence
• D. Names of people involved

Answer: (C)

Field notes should document what was observed and heard, when and where it happened, who was involved, and what actions were taken. The most appropriate content is objective descriptions of events, concrete times and locations, and the names of people involved to help reconstruct the sequence of actions. Motives and internal states, if not directly observed or stated, belong in doubt or speculation and should be avoided in a field note.

Speculating about motives without evidence is the least appropriate because it relies on unverified inferences rather than verifiable facts. Motives are internal and often unknowable from outside; recording them as fact can mislead readers, introduce bias, and compromise the note’s reliability. If a motive is mentioned, it should come only from a verifiable source (such as a direct quote or a documented statement) and be clearly attributed, or be noted as unknown with no unfounded assumptions. The guiding principle is to keep notes factual and distinguish observations from interpretations; avoid stating why someone did something unless there is corroborated evidence or a direct remark to that effect.