White, Anglo-Celtic male – black, Melanesian female: a valid research situation?
John Donnelly
Abstract
The issue of power relationships and power gradients between researcher and researched are significant considerations in the conduct of qualitative fieldwork. The validity of responses to questions asked as well as the possibility of the appropriation of information gained are areas for serious consideration. Personal relationships are another area of concern for some researchers as objectivity can also questioned. Personal relationships, cultural and gender difference need not be obstacles to good qualitative research. Indeed they can work to ensure truthfulness and objectivity to the responses of the researched person in some situations.
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