Being a Traveller—On Traversing the Self-Process in Qualitative Research

Abstract

This paper addresses certain key questions about researching in psychology from a qualitative perspective. It debates the question of certainty versus variability—are truths fixed and universal or is there something beyond immortal, objective facts? The question of sharability versus particularity is raised—is the complete picture explained by generalisations or does one view the psychological landscape in a way that highlights the difference? The question of objectivity versus subjectivity is dwelled upon—should the researcher be a detached, neutral observer of the Other or should she let her subjectivity flow freely in the researching process? And finally, the question of neutrality versus positionality is examined—does reality come into focus only if the researcher stands at a certain distance or would her lens blur if she stands too close? Through engagement with these questions, the researcher, akin to a traveller who meanders across a littered landscape, attempts to traverse personal territories in the search of truths of human knowledge. The paper also delves into some of the unsettling aspects of qualitative research.