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A protocol for researcher safety
B L Paterson1, D Gregory, S Thorne
1University of British Columbia School of Nursing.
Qualitative Health Research
|November 11, 1999
Summary
This study addresses the lack of personal safety guidelines for qualitative researchers in the field. It proposes general protocols to prevent dangerous incidents, drawing from various safety resources and researcher experiences.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Qualitative Research Methodology
Background:
- Limited literature exists on personal safety for qualitative researchers in the field.
- Existing research primarily focuses on psychological well-being, neglecting physical safety concerns.
- Lack of established safety guidelines poses risks to researchers during fieldwork.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical issue of researcher personal safety in qualitative fieldwork.
- To propose general guidelines for developing safety protocols for researchers.
- To fill the gap in methodological considerations for field safety.
Main Methods:
- Extrapolation of safety guidelines from healthcare practitioners entering client homes.
- Review of literature on researcher safety in high-risk environments.
- Inclusion of insights from employee safety resources and personal researcher experiences.
Main Results:
- Identified a significant need for structured safety protocols in qualitative research.
- Synthesized diverse safety principles into a foundational framework for researcher safety.
- Provided a basis for developing specific, actionable safety guidelines.
Conclusions:
- Researcher safety is an under-addressed methodological concern in qualitative research.
- Developing and implementing safety protocols is crucial for protecting researchers in the field.
- Further research and guideline development are needed to enhance field safety for qualitative researchers.