‘To be honest, it’s complicated’: training postgraduate students to work with emotions in qualitative research

Ferrie, J. and Greenwood, S. (2023) ‘To be honest, it’s complicated’: training postgraduate students to work with emotions in qualitative research. Teaching in Higher Education, (doi: 10.1080/13562517.2023.2212609) (Early Online Publication)

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Abstract

Emotion is an integral part of the knowledge production process, yet is rarely acknowledged within research methods teaching or textbooks. As educators, preparing students for fieldwork is essential, and should go beyond skill-learning, towards building confidence in their ability to react both ethically and appropriately during fieldwork. This paper reflects on supporting students to manage the disruptiveness of learning about their role within the research process while acknowledging research as an emotionally-driven practice. We outline why learning opportunities on emotion are essential within the context of a pan-social-science methods course for postgraduates. Consideration is given to how space is provided for students to consider their motivations, emotions, and subjective engagement with their research, and the broader consequences for knowledge production in action. Two examples are shared as a means to create space for careful consideration of emotions, and of potentially delivering a strategy for implementing a pedagogy of emotion.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Early Online Publication
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ferrie, Professor Jo and Greenwood, Dr Sharon
Authors: Ferrie, J., and Greenwood, S.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
Journal Name:Teaching in Higher Education
Publisher:Taylor and Francis
ISSN:1356-2517
ISSN (Online):1470-1294
Published Online:16 May 2023
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2023 The Authors
First Published:First published in Teaching in Higher Education 2023
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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