(introduction...)

This section outlines general procedures and rules of conduct when recording IK in communities. It briefly lists sources and ways to document IK and provides details on methods that have been used for recording IK. The description of most methods is organized as follows:

- Definition

- A brief characterization of the method.

- Purpose. General usefulness of the method, not necessarily regarding IK.

- Materials. Things needed when using the method.

- Possible approach. A step-by-step explanation of how the method can be used. To keep the manual short and avoid overlap, general procedures such as "seek permission from the community" or "introduce yourself are not repeated for each method. They are detailed in Recording IK in communities and are reiterated in some of the methods as reminders. The method Workshop outlines some principles of working with groups in communities.

- Value. Usefulness of the method for recording IK.

- Dos and don'ts. What to do and not to do when using the method.

- Modifications. Alternative approaches to or uses of the method.

- Notes or boxes. Additional explanations.

Sources are given only when the compilation of the method draws heavily on one or a few sources. When writers relied mainly on their field experience and backed the information up by consulting the various reference materials listed in the Reference section of this manual, no specific sources are cited.

There is no single approach for recording IK (see How to use the manual). Similarly, the steps outlined under Possible approach are not ready-to-use instructions, but just one of many possible ways a method can be used. The methods must be modified and combined to suit each field study. You must be creative and flexible to record and apply IK successfully.