A PhD student is researching a community that he is also a member of. He is concerned that his thematic analysis might be excessively influenced by his own identity, knowledge of and views about the community. Which of the following should be consider?
A) Abandoning the research project
B) Discussing his emerging findings with a colleague
C) Describing his findings using the first-person pronoun
D) None of these

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Discussing his emerging findings with a colleague can provide an external perspective that can help the researcher recognize and address any potential biases caused by his own identity and preconceptions. Abandoning the research project is not necessary if the researcher takes steps to ensure the validity and reliability of his data and analysis. Describing his findings using the first-person pronoun may not necessarily address the potential bias issue and may actually draw unnecessary attention to the researcher's identity rather than focusing on the research results themselves.

A PhD Student Is Researching a Community That He Is