Positionality statements
Positionality statements allow readers to assess the positionality of a researcher, and how it might affect their research. They are common in qualitative research, and are starting to be considered in quantitative research, too.
Researchers can consider including a ‘positionality statement’ in papers, to contextualise themselves and their research environment, and define the boundaries of their research output. This can provide additional context around how the study was conducted, including the researcher’s experiences, perspectives, and potential biases.
Positionality statements and conflict of interest statements both serve to disclose personal biases or influences that might affect an individual's work or perspective. However, they differ in scope and intent. Positionality statements focus more heavily on the author's social and cultural identity factors, such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status, to provide context on how these factors might influence their viewpoint. Conflict of interest statements, on the other hand, disclose financial or personal relationships that could compromise the integrity of one's work or create a perception of bias. While both aim for transparency, positionality statements address broader socio-cultural influences, whereas conflict of interest statements specifically target potential financial or relational biases.
Qualitative researchers often talk about reflexivity – a researcher's ability to reflect critically on their own position, and how it influences the research process. This is a key skill in the social sciences and other disciplines that use qualitative research methods for studying social interaction, interpersonal relations, or cultural practices. A dash of reflexivity is particularly helpful for writing a positionality statement: see this article for more on reflexivity and positionality statements.
Activity 1:
Allow about 30 minutes
Write a positionality statement for yourself. You can do this for a research project you are involved in, one you have been involved in in the past, or for a fictional project in a field you are interested in.
As you do so, think about whether your positionality might influence the way you perceive and interpret the data in the project you have chosen, and whether it might impact the research process and outcomes in both negative and positive ways. For instance, your negative experience with police after being a witness to a crime might influence your interpretation of police data relating to lineup processes in a way that does not reflect reality. In contrast, your experience of having a child with a rare disease might help to ask the right questions when interviewing other parents with similar experiences.
Positionality