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2 - Doing sensitive research: methodological, theoretical, ethical and moral perspectives

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 September 2009

Virginia Dickson-Swift ,
Erica Lyn James  and
Pranee Liamputtong
Virginia Dickson-Swift
Affiliation:
La Trobe University, Victoria
Pranee Liamputtong
Affiliation:
La Trobe University, Victoria
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Summary

Knowledge is subjective, constructed and based on the shared signs and symbols that are recognized by members of a culture. Multiple realities are presumed, with different people experiencing these differently.

(Grbich, 2007:8)

In any piece of research, it is typical that we should include the theoretical framework that we base our research on. This is the main focus of this chapter. In this chapter, we will first discuss the theoretical issues relative to choosing a methodology. We will examine the methods literature relevant to the qualitative/quantitative debate and discuss the decision to adopt a qualitative methodology for the study of researchers' experiences of undertaking sensitive research. We will also discuss the issues of intrusion, ethical, moral and legal issues in the second part of this chapter.

Debates in the philosophy of science

In designing this study, it was important for us to examine a number of ontological and epistemological questions that underlie how research is conducted. The ontological question revolves around a discussion of whether or not there is a single objective reality (Denzin & Lincoln, 2005a). The epistemological question relates to the nature of knowledge and how knowledge can be obtained (Guba & Lincoln, 1994). In many of the classic texts, there is an argument about whether or not social science research can be objective (see Daly, 2007; Denzin & Lincoln, 2005a; Grbich, 2007; Willis, 2007). Max Weber (1949) maintains that social science could be value free.

Type
Chapter
Information
Undertaking Sensitive Research in the Health and Social Sciences
Managing Boundaries, Emotions and Risks
 , pp. 15 - 32
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2008

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References

Daly, K. (2007). Qualitative Methods for Family Studies and Human Development. London: Sage Publications.Google Scholar
Denzin, N. K. & Lincoln, Y. S. (eds.) (2005). Handbook of Qualitative Research, (3rd edn). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Hesse-Biber, S. N. & Yaiser, M. L. (eds.) (2004). Feminist Perspectives on Social Research. New York: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
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Kellehear, A. (1990). Dying of Cancer: The Final Year of Life. London: Harwood Academic Publishers.Google Scholar
Liamputtong, P. (2007). Researching the Vulnerable: A Guide to Sensitive Research Methods. London: Sage Publications.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Liamputtong, P. & Ezzy, D. (2005). Qualitative Research Methods (2nd edn). Melbourne: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
Richardson, L. (1997). Fields of Play: Constructing an Academic Life. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press.Google Scholar
, M. & Allsop, J. (eds.) (2007). Researching Health: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods. London: Sage Publications.Google Scholar
Willis, J. W. (2007). Foundations of Qualitative Research: Interpretive and Critical Approaches. London: Sage Publications.CrossRefGoogle Scholar

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