'To Be Honest, It's Complicated': Training Postgraduate Students to Work with Emotions in Qualitative Research

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Bibliographic Details
Title: 'To Be Honest, It's Complicated': Training Postgraduate Students to Work with Emotions in Qualitative Research
Language: English
Authors: Jo Ferrie (ORCID 0000-0001-6498-174X), Sharon Greenwood (ORCID 0000-0003-4143-4430)
Source: Teaching in Higher Education. 2025 30(1):19-34.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Qualitative Research, Field Studies, Research Methodology, Courses, Emotional Experience, Emotional Response, Training Methods, Graduate Students, Skill Development, Self Management, Well Being, Field Instruction, Student Role, Reflection, Interpersonal Relationship, Educational Researchers, Research and Development, Epistemology, Social Sciences, Student Needs, Experimenter Characteristics, Bias, Trauma Informed Approach
DOI: 10.1080/13562517.2023.2212609
ISSN: 1356-2517
1470-1294
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.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1456453
Database: ERIC
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Description
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.
ISSN:1356-2517
1470-1294
DOI:10.1080/13562517.2023.2212609