Toward multi-dimensional and developmental notion of researcher positionality
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-4-2019
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to argue for a multi-dimensional and developmental notion of researcher positionality in conducting qualitative research, in lieu of the dichotomous notion of outsider and insider. The former emphasizes the agentive role researchers play in knowledge production, whereas the latter has been much challenged as oversimplified and insufficient in understanding the dynamic interactions in which field researchers engage. Design/methodology/approach: The paper borrows Milner’s (2007) four-level framework of research personality to reflect on one cross-cultural narrative inquiry study. Findings: Reflective stories revealed that researcher positionality captures threads of intersectionality as well as inter- and intra-personal dynamics, and thus better informs the research process than what concept of insider/outsider dichotomy can do. Research limitations/implications: The paper enriches the discussion of research positionality in qualitative research by involving a cross-cultural study where the researcher moved to-and-fro two sites. Practical implications: The paper suggests a methodological and practical way of raising researcher’s awareness and agency relative to positionality by exposing the researcher to cross-cultural settings. Originality/value: While the multi-dimensional aspect of researcher positionality and its relatedness to research findings has been much discussed, not much acknowledgment has been given to the developmental aspect of research positionality.
Publication Title
Qualitative Research Journal
Volume
19
Issue
3
First Page
225
Last Page
235
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1108/QRJ-D-18-00029
ISSN
14439883
E-ISSN
14480980
Citation Information
Lu, H., Hodge, W.A. (2019) Toward Multi-Dimensional and Developmental Notion of Researcher Positionality. Qualitative Research Journal, 19(3), 225-235.
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