Rethinking research relationships in qualitative research

Abstract

The research relationship within qualitative research methods, that is, the relationship between researcher and research participant, is reexamined in this paper. We draw upon our own research experiences of working with high-risk individuals and vulnerable communities in reframing a discussion of the interview process. We illustrate the emotionally provocative and volatile nature of the research relationship and argue for the necessity of social research protocols which extend beyond a utilitarian research framework, the expansion of the researcher's role to include skillful navigation of the intersubjective aspects of research interviewing, and participant advocacy.