An overarching theme I have observed in this course is that as a researcher, you need to be honest. So the first thing I need to confess is that for reasons beyond my control, I regretfully missed out on a good portion of the Power and Inequity in Research panel. But I was still able to read through the discussion notes – cheers Sam. After reviewing the discussion, I recognised that many of the points the panelists made about research echoed those of previous speakers.
Political theorist Carisa Showden spoke on the need to co-construct research and to co-produce knowledge. When considering my research interests, I initially struggled to determine what I could offer as I don’t have all the answers, and I am not extremely knowledgeable about one specific topic. Listening to the experiences of practicing researchers has made me realised that I had no idea what research was and that it is a way to share the perspectives of others as well as my own.
Showden told us to be reflexive, to consider where we come from, and what experiences we bring to our research. To me, this means not only sharing our interests but also recognising our inherent biases. Recently I have sought out contrasting perspectives that contest my understanding and worldview. Many of the theorists and ideas I have been exposed to are of Western influence, and this has changed the way I think about my academic writing in other courses. I was writing an essay on the importance of technology in education, and realised I had failed to consider contrasting perspectives to education and systems with different values that may be more important to them.
Going forward, I will do my best to tell the whole truth by challenging my perspectives and actively seeking others. The inclusion of different perspectives, especially of those your research affects most, is what gives it meaning, otherwise, it is simply not honest.
