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Footprints in the field: researcher identity in social research

Footprints in the field: researcher identity in social research
Footprints in the field: researcher identity in social research
This paper encourages researchers to consider their own identity to be of particular importance within any research project. Rather than seeing our own identities as being fully formed and therefore detached from a project, this paper suggests that we invest ourselves into research and acknowledge the impact we have on research. Investing ourselves into research, also involves considering our identities to be open to adaption. Consequently, an investigation of how our own identities can be influenced by the process of carrying out research is also discussed. It is suggested that this investment may open up endless possibilities for future research and practice. Notably, the process of self-investigation can result in transparent and ethical knowledge production. I use the example of my own research to highlight the advantages of remaining open to and embracing these opportunities for growth. Drawing on a poststructural conceptual framework, I critically explore some of the possibilities that a thorough interrogation of the self can create.
method/ology, reflexivity, feminism, disability, intersections
86-98
Harvey, J
9fd273e9-9564-44d7-9636-47abf985168b
Harvey, J
9fd273e9-9564-44d7-9636-47abf985168b

Harvey, J (2013) Footprints in the field: researcher identity in social research. Methodological Innovations Online, 8 (1), 86-98. (doi:10.4256/mio.2013.0006).

Record type: Article

Abstract

This paper encourages researchers to consider their own identity to be of particular importance within any research project. Rather than seeing our own identities as being fully formed and therefore detached from a project, this paper suggests that we invest ourselves into research and acknowledge the impact we have on research. Investing ourselves into research, also involves considering our identities to be open to adaption. Consequently, an investigation of how our own identities can be influenced by the process of carrying out research is also discussed. It is suggested that this investment may open up endless possibilities for future research and practice. Notably, the process of self-investigation can result in transparent and ethical knowledge production. I use the example of my own research to highlight the advantages of remaining open to and embracing these opportunities for growth. Drawing on a poststructural conceptual framework, I critically explore some of the possibilities that a thorough interrogation of the self can create.

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Accepted/In Press date: June 2012
Published date: 1 April 2013
Keywords: method/ology, reflexivity, feminism, disability, intersections
Organisations: Faculty of Health Sciences

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Local EPrints ID: 384754
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/384754
PURE UUID: 6181765c-9c9c-4652-9b94-834f327d02e5

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Date deposited: 13 Jan 2016 09:04
Last modified: 14 Mar 2024 22:03

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Author: J Harvey

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