The Emotional Nature of Qualitative Research PDF

Introduction

It seems that only a short time ago qualitative research methods were viewed within traditional fields like psychology and sociology with suspicion and, in some cases, outright contempt. The intensely personal involvement of the researcher in the data collection and analysis process was seen as questionable, lacking rigor, and as anecdotal "talky-talk." Although an examination of scholarly journals shows that this view persists, many have come to see the unique value of qualitative methods for the exploration of social and psychological phenomena. An upsurge of interest in qualitative methods is seen in various branches of psychology, most notably counseling, social, and narrative psychology. Nevertheless, neophyte researchers as well as more seasoned quantitative researchers new to these methods may bring unexpected "baggage" to their efforts as qualitative researchers. This baggage, if unexamined, can adversely influence the research process.

My experiences as a teacher of qualitative methods, dissertation supervisor, and professional presenter and writer have taught me that students, in their naturally ambiguous state, are especially interested in learning how to deal with the emotional content of their research efforts. Having been indoctrinated with the philosophy of managing, rather than integrating, emotions into the research process, I can certainly relate.

More recently, I have begun to hear the same questions from faculty originally trained as quantitative researchers who are now working in this realm or supervising qualitative dissertations. They are surprised and even startled by the emotions generated by their research efforts. They ask: how do we manage these emotions? Should we even think in terms of managing emotions? What is the proper balance of allowing and controlling emotions? Are emotions appropriate? Should they be used as a part of the research process? Should they be hidden and kept from others? What does it mean if the researcher is profoundly affected by the experience, even to the extent of going through a spiritual epiphany?

This volume addresses the personal and emotional nature of qualitative research which involves a process of entering the subjective world of research participants. In order to do this, qualitative researchers must "become the research instrument," a phrase commonly used in reference to engagement in the qualitative research process. In doing this, they naturally draw on elements of their own subjectivity. Although the tendency among researchers has been to mirror the expectation of objectivity maintained by quantitative research, 1 increasingly researchers are expected to be emotionally affected by the research process. 2 Although this is true, we evidence ambiguity toward acknowledging publicly this effect. "Classic ethnographies either omit a researcher's emotions or relegate them to a preface or appendix." 3 Emotions may also be presented as separate "confessional tales" like Katz- Rothman's 4 personal account of her response to the experience of women who underwent amniocentesis and, in many cases, decided to terminate a much-wanted pregnancy. Thus, even with our increasing comfort with emotions in qualitative research, we continue to struggle with how deeply to integrate our emotions into the research process.