Exploring the use of diary entries for qualitative researchers: Mitigating challenges when investigating sensitive topics on Indian women

Mishra, Pavitra and Gupta, Amit (2024) Exploring the use of diary entries for qualitative researchers: Mitigating challenges when investigating sensitive topics on Indian women. The Qualitative Report, 29 (5): 3. pp. 1279-1298. ISSN 2160-3715

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Abstract

This study seeks to understand the challenges encountered by qualitative researchers while investigating sensitive topics. We make a valuable contribution to the existing literature on researcher well-being and the mitigation of potential adverse incidents during data collection in studies on sensitive topics. The researchers maintained a comprehensive diary while conducting a study on the sensitive topic of work-family conflict among Indian working women. The analysis of these diary entries revealed three primary categories of challenges: (a) emotional challenges encompassing emotional sustenance, self-awareness, the element of care, building rapport, reciprocity, breaking the connection, preparing for exit, and researcher exhaustion; (b) methodological challenges, including data recording and interview location; (c) ethical challenges, such as confidentiality and guilt; and (d) other challenges, such as establishing credibility as a mainstream researcher in academics. This study aims to raise awareness about the challenges that qualitative researchers face, offering insights into potential dilemmas and explaining how reflexivity, self-disclosure, reciprocity, and a well-planned exit strategy can assist in navigating and addressing researcher biases.

Item Type: Article
Keywords: Diary entries | Ethical challenges | Mmethodological challenges | Emotional challenges | Reflexivity | Self-disclosure
Subjects: Social Sciences and humanities > Social Sciences > Social Sciences (General)
Social Sciences and humanities > Social Sciences > Public Administration
Social Sciences and humanities > Social Sciences > Urban Studies
JGU School/Centre: Jindal Global Business School
Depositing User: Subhajit Bhattacharjee
Date Deposited: 24 Jun 2024 10:52
Last Modified: 24 Jun 2024 11:34
Official URL: https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715%2F2024.6330
URI: https://pure.jgu.edu.in/id/eprint/7993

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