Fear of offending: disclosing researcher discomfort when engaging in analysis

Abstract

In this article we take up the issue of transcript analysis within a collaborative researcher/participant relationship. We specifically focus on the challenges and ethical dilemmas that researchers face when engaging in analysis. As researchers who use constructivist psychological theory to study the narratives of people's lives, we are particularly interested in inviting dialogues about what is involved when we engage in analysis of our participants’ renditions of experience. By conversing with colleagues and students, and reflecting on previous research projects, we use research experiences to shape our discussion.