Personality: a new positionality?

Abstract

Over the past two decades there has been much focus across the social sciences and humanities on issues of positionality. However, in this literature the related issue of personality has not been a consideration despite its profound ability to shape both the research process and product. This paper draws on the wide body of literature on positionality as well as the work of psychologists concerned with understanding personality and emotional intelligence. Through discussion of my fieldwork experiences in Indonesia, I will illustrate some of the limitations of how positionality has been discussed and make a case for further attention to be paid to how personality affects the process of field research and, by extension, the production of knowledge.

‘Babe, I like your lipstick’: rethinking researcher personality and appearance

“…I am in agreement with Moser (2008) that a lack of focus on the researcher's personality is an egregious oversight, as personality is capable of shaping both the research process and the final outcome. This is particularly so when considering that 'personalities respond to other personalities in different ways' (Hoogendoorn and Visser 2012, 264).…”

“…This is particularly so when considering that 'personalities respond to other personalities in different ways' (Hoogendoorn and Visser 2012, 264). Heeding Moser (2008), I believe that my social and emotional qualities enabled a close relationship to be developed between myself and the young participants. I have an extrovert personality.…”

“…Given the more extensive use of qualitative modes of enquiry, emotions are becoming increasingly topical (Blackman 2007;Jansson 2010;Widdowfield 2000). Fuelled with this new vision and the burgeoning trend towards reflexivity (Moser 2008), I hope that a space can be carved out for further discussions of researcher personality and appearance. Such conversations are long overdue.…”

“…First, heeding Moser (2008), I provided insight into how my bubbly and friendly personality enabled rapport to be developed between myself and the young people in my study. The second part of this paper suggested that considerations of gender should delve deeper than simply stating 'I am a male/female researcher'.…”

“…I soon began to realise, however, that disconnectedness is actually very little to do with age; rather, it is related to something much more individual and complex: the personality of the researcher. Within this section, I use reflexivity, as advocated by Moser (2008), to explore how my personality affected the fieldwork process.…”