There is a fine line researchers walk when it comes to bonds with participants, one that I had never really thought too much about until the session with Tracey McIntosh, Nicole Perry, Carisa Showden and Jemaima Tiatia-Seath. Although I could not make the discussion session, I had read in the notes that they had discussed this; how a researcher should not be so distant and yet should refrain from being too friendly or overbearing. The idea is to connect using your own lived experiences, similar to what Patrick Thomsen had said in an earlier session. This connect creates trust between the researcher and the participant, although essential to remember why you are both there as to not over-share or lose track. It also builds to a genealogy of knowledge, one that can further your research as facts do not exist in isolation, which is something I am thankful Patrick Thomsen had stated in his session.
This all being said, for a novice researcher, the thought of putting myself into even the slightest bit of vulnerability is terrifying, yet without it, you risk coming off cold. Carisa Showden did touch on how much vulnerability and emotion you should involve, showing enough to create a bond between you and the participant without putting yourself into a position of complete vulnerability.
The fine line is one I know will be hard for me to walk along. As the oldest of five children, I am used to being a bit overbearing with as little vulnerability as possible. However, it is essential to find this balance of vulnerability while staying open-minded to what may come from the research process. After all, when we begin our research, we are likely to be challenged and surprised; might as well be open to it in the beginning!
