Contracts and member checks in qualitative research in human geography: reason for caution? |
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Authors: | Matt Bradshaw |
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Institution: | School of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Tasmania, TAS 7001 Australia |
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Abstract: | Contracts with, and member checks by, research participants are increasingly recommended in qualitative research in human geography. However, differences in qualitatively researching 'the powerful', as opposed to researching 'down' mean that contracts and member checks may need to be approached with caution regarding the former. The possibility of the censorship of critique by powerful research participants is exemplified in this article, and a number of more general dilemmas in qualitatively researching 'up' are also discussed. Finally, some choices which might help address possible difficulties in qualitatively researching the powerful are outlined. |
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Keywords: | Australia contracts member checks qualitative research |
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