Leveraging Identity, Gaining Access: Explorations of Self in Diverse Field-Based Research Settings

Strategies for Gaining Access to Robbers: The Importance of Identity, Rapport, and Commitment Acts

“…In this study of active robbers, similar identities illustrated that the more similar the researcher was to the participants, the more comfortable they were in offering information which demonstrated how similar identities can help build trust (Cunliffe & Alcadipani, 2016;Kleinman, 1980;Tsuda, 1998). From this experience, identity similarity can be beneficial in forming a common ground, ultimately leading to a developed rapport with participants (Doykos et al, 2014;Kleinman, 1980). It is suggested that researchers assess any similar potential identities in common with the participants to help gain access and establish a connection (Feldman et al, 2003).…”

Exploring nutritional therapy practitioner perspectives on working with people affected by cancer

“…An 'insider' conducting research, however, may carry advantages, such as intimate knowledge of vocabulary, practices or structures, (Gair, 2012, Ritchie et al, 2009. The researcher may exploit their "insider/outsider" position within the researched domain, by using their understanding of language, symbols and common purpose, enabling more informed questioning or establishing rapport (Burns et al, 2012, Doykos et al, 2014. However, this may have disadvantages, notably a bias of perspective, where a culturally-entrenched stance may become a lens through which data is viewed.…”

“…Researcher reflection in qualitative work has particular value for researchers from within a profession (Le Gallais, 2008) who have a duality of role described as the 'insider-outsider' dilemma (Hellawell, 2006), who may exploit their position within the research domain, by using their understanding of language, symbols and common purpose (Burns et al, 2012, Doykos et al, 2014.…”