Personality And Experience Of The Researcher example essay topic

In qualitative inquiry, where the researcher is an integral part of the research process, it is important to reflect on the impact of the researcher on the research setting and the research process (see Edwards 1993, quoted in Ellemor, 1998). Given the progressive nature of this plan, it has been especially important for me to consider my role in conducting this research and the processes in the preparation of the plan. The research was conducted by an outside researcher rather than being driven by the Cape Byron Trust, which allowed me to go into the field with a broad and flexible project outline so that research could take on the issues expressed by stakeholders, visitors and the resources of the Cape Byron Headland Reserve. My access to various stakeholders and resources was dependent upon the continued perception by the Cape Byron Headland reserve staff of my honesty and commitment to studying different perspectives of interpretation, and confidentiality regarding the content of each persons private views (Lofland and Lofland 1995, quoted in Ellemor 1998). Recent writings on the ethics of conducting qualitative research have discussed how certain features of the researcher can impact on the research (Punch 1986, 1994; Burgess 1984; Edwards 1993; Ellemor 1998). Factors such as the personality, gender, age, experience, ethnicity and the class of the researcher can influence the research process in a number of ways.

Ultimately, these factors will influence the interpretations that are drawn from the research. It is therefore important to acknowledge my own position as researcher in relation to the development of this plan. Researcher background / experience The selection of research topics and the intellectual approaches taken, and ability in the field can be influenced by the personality and experience of the researcher (Punch 1994; Burgess 1984; see also Ellemor 1998). I have grown up in the coastal town of Ballina, just south of the research area of Cape Byron. This familiarity with the general area and the issues surrounding the management of these environments initially promoted my interests in the development of interpretive facilities in the area. This background, together with my undergraduate training in environmental resource management, helped me to nurture my intellectual and personal interest in the interpretive theme of this research.

Gender / Age I had anticipated that being female and relatively young may pose some difficulties for my credibility within the Cape Byron Headland Reserve workplace, particularly considering I was younger than most of the staff and Trust members. However, may age has not yet appeared to provide a significant barrier..