Access, trust and emergent fieldwork

Gaining research access to specific communities and contexts is rarely straightforward, and things don’t always go to plan. Just because a researcher identifies a need to study a particular social and/or cultural phenomenon, doesn’t necessarily mean that it can be researched. Here, Tim will begin by introducing researchers’ dilemmas of gaining access to (and the trust of) social groups as a key determinant of research success. He will then go on to discuss practical (yet often taken for granted) ways in which researchers can build trustworthiness and nurture lasting relationships with participants, which can enable research fieldwork to flourish – often extending studies beyond researchers’ original aims. Tim will illustrate the discussion with examples from his own research.

Activity: Film Focus 7, ‘Access, trust and emergent fieldwork’ – Tim Butcher

Watch the film and make your own notes in response to the following questions:

  • How would you talk to your research participants about yourself? How would you convey the authenticity and truthfulness of your intentions as a researcher?
  • How would you explain your research, so it is better understood by your research participants? Write a short statement.
  • What roles have you played within the communities or organisations you have previously researched? Do you think you could have played a more active role? If not, why?
  • What kinds of activities might not be appropriate (for you and others) in the research settings you have experienced? Why?
Download this video clip.Video player: 04-250627-28-access-trust-and-emergent-fieldwork.mp4
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We recommend that you keep notes of your answers to these questions so you can return to them during the course.

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Voice and reflexivity in research interviewing