Emotion work and the ethics of novice insider research

Abstract

This paper relates to research practice and in particular, it explores the practice of insider research in a study carried out as part of a research training fellowship. The effects of research on the researcher and the researched are discussed and extracts from transcripts and a research diary are used to illustrate ethical dilemmas that may arise from such a study. The role of the novice researcher is central to the discussion and the concept of `emotion work' is used to illustrate the hidden consequences of seemingly innocuous insider research. The paper contributes to the body of knowledge relating to qualitative research methods, by combining reflection with emotion work and novice insider research. Despite it being largely about the novice researcher studying within her own profession, it raises important points that may be of interest to more experienced researchers working in other domains.