2.3 Measures and Procedure

herder to herder, but often hovers around or slightly above the global poverty line. Herding is a full time job that requires a variety of work depending on the season. Hunting is done for

sport.

2.3 Measures and Procedure

Data was collected from participants using two main methods: interviews and

observations. Each interview lasted 20 to 40 minutes and followed a set list of questions. Additional questions or clarifications arose during the course of the interview and may account for fluctuations in questioning and the amount of detail provided by the participants. Two translators were used during the course of the research period in Bayan-Ulgii, which

also may account for some variation in answers and details provided through translation. Generally, two to three interviews were conducted each day during the interview period. Often eagle falconers would not be available for interview, because they were busy; the interviews happened to coincide with the animal slaughter season. In that way participants were not randomized or preselected, but were based on availability and by connections with

the translator/guide. Interviews were conducted after first presenting the participants with a pre-prepared consent form detailing the participant’s rights, which included the right to confidentiality, the right to withdraw any answers (or the whole interview) from the record, and notified the participants that they could ask the participant not to use a recording device.

Furthermore, the researcher asked before the start of each interviewing session for permission to use a recording device and to take a photograph of the participant, in addition to the statement provided on the consent form. It may be noted that one participant declined to be recorded (A-5). In this case the researcher took handwritten notes during the interview.

Otherwise, recordings were transcribed after the fact. Participants in the countryside (in Altai and Altansugts) were provided compensation for their time with 10,000 MNT. The compensation was provided after the completion of the interview. It may also be noted that one of the interview files was corrupted (A-2) and so responses were taken from the notes

researcher’s partner. Observations were completed through the course of the two home stays and many visits to the homes of eagle hunters and were recorded in a field journal throughout the