Qualitative ego networks in health professions education: Capturing the self in relation to others

Abstract

Introduction: Our very sense of self emerges through interactions with others. As part of this State of the Science series on Self, Society, and Situation, we introduce a qualitative ego network research approach. This research approach offers insights

Imagining the future: Social connections and new methodologies

“…In raising the issues of bias, inequality, entrenched hierarchies and power structures in HPE, the authors of all four articles [1][2][3][4] provide an opportunity for us to reflect on our own unexamined assumptions. This may well be challenging, due to the inherently multidisciplinary focus of the health professions, which encompass both biomedical and sociocultural worldviews.…”

I and thou: Challenging the barriers to adopting a relational approach to medical education

“…In their methodological piece, Nimmon and Atherley argue the relevance of ego network mapping. 17 As qualitative ego networks place relationships at the centre of inquiry, they can unveil relational data that, otherwise, may be missed. Given the importance of relationships across the spectrum of medical education, this approach could contribute to many areas of contemporary interest, including better understanding of how to facilitate trainees' identity development.…”

“…18 Nimmon and Atherley propose qualitative ego networks as a way of exploring relationships within research. 17 And, for Hirshfield, the relationships trainees develop between ways of knowing influence their engagement with the social sciences. 16 Taken together, these papers cast new light on how educators and researchers may engage with relational approaches to medical education, to challenge the barriers we outlined in our introductory comments.…”

“…Secondly, the authors advance the case for the relevance of social science approaches within medical education, which we hope will increase future engagement in relationship‐based research. In their methodological piece, Nimmon and Atherley argue the relevance of ego network mapping 17 . As qualitative ego networks place relationships at the centre of inquiry, they can unveil relational data that, otherwise, may be missed.…”

“…Qualitative ego networks in health professions education: Capturing the self in relation to others 17 Nimmon and Atherley highlight that ego network mapping can be used to illuminate relationships that influence individuals or groups within learning environments. This approach positions reality as something that emerges through relationships and knowledge as something that is generated through understanding a person's social connections.…”