"Me-search": Challenges and opportunities regarding subjectivity in knowledge construction. (13th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gardner, Susan K.; Hart, Jeni; Ng, Jennifer; Ropers-Huilman, Rebecca; Ward, Kelly; Wolf-Wendel, Lisa
• Is Part Of: Studies in graduate and postdoctoral education. Volume 8:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 88
• Page End: 108
• Publication Date: 2017-11-13
• Subjects: Advocacy -- Subjectivity -- Objectivity -- Backyard research; Universities and colleges -- Graduate work -- Periodicals; Doctoral students -- Periodicals; College graduates -- Education (Continuing education) -- Periodicals; Education, Higher -- Research -- Periodicals; Education, Higher -- Periodicals; 378.155
• DOI: 10.1108/SGPE-D-17-00014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2398-4686

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the experiences with me-search among scholars in the field of education, defined as the conduct of research about one's own identity or in one's own setting. Design/methodology/approach: Centered around the tensions inherent in the training received around objectivity and subjectivity, these individuals discuss how they came to conduct me-search and the challenges inherent in it, with a particular focus on the teaching and advising of students conducting this kind of qualitative work. Findings: ApplyingRichardson and St. Pierre's (2005) concepts of writing stories, the following reflections provide a grounding of the "me" in methodology, with an eye toward using this methodology to create social change. Originality/value: While this is a common research approach, relatively little guidance exists on the practice of "me-search", particularly for young scholars.