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More Than Epistemology: Relationships in Applied Research With Underserved Communities
Author(s) -
Brodsky Anne E.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of social issues
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.618
H-Index - 122
eISSN - 1540-4560
pISSN - 0022-4537
DOI - 10.1111/0022-4537.00216
Subject(s) - agency (philosophy) , participant observation , work (physics) , quality (philosophy) , psychology , sociology , social psychology , public relations , epistemology , social science , political science , engineering , mechanical engineering , philosophy
The nature and consequences of researcher‐participant relationships are explored within methodological frameworks, and the impact of relationship roles and decisions are examined through an example of applied research with low‐income women and an agency that serves them. Three types of relationship issues and decisions are discussed: (1) the construction of research relationships with two groups of participants: agency staff and agency clients; (2) the involvement of multiple researchers; and (3) the definition and boundaries of the research relationships pertinent to work with people and communities with limited resources. Researcher‐participant relationship dilemmas and decisions have implications for the quality of our research and the lives of our participants.