Collaborative autoethnography

“Self-Reflection” as a Timely Alternative Research Approach During the Global Pandemic

Datos Bibliográficos

ID12645656
AutoresRituparna Roy (0000-0002-6710-6382, Auckland University of Technology, autor de correspondencia), Shinya Uekusa (0000-0003-2694-5144, Aarhus University)
Año2020
Volumen20
Número4
Páginas383-392
Fecha de publicación2020-07-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaQualitative Research Journal (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1443-9883 • E-ISSN: 1448-0980
EditorialEmerald Publishing Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1108/qrj-06-2020-0054
OpenAlexW3040304766
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas97
Referencias citadas19

Purpose The authors’ aim in this commentary is to critically assess the potential benefits and limitations of collaborative autoethnography (CAE) as a research tool to be used by qualitative researchers during this unprecedented, methodologically challenging time when physical isolation and distancing are the best strategies to prevent spread of the virus. Design/methodology/approach The authors probe into the potential of collaborative reflection on self-narrative as an alternative and perhaps timely research approach. Findings The COVID-19 pandemic has altered our experiences of conventional teaching, learning and research. It is a scholarly challenging time, particularly for qualitative researchers in the social sciences whose research involves data collection methods that require face-to-face human interactions. Due to the worldwide lockdowns, self-isolation and social distancing, qualitative researchers are encountering methodological difficulties in continuing with their empirical fieldwork. In such circumstances, researchers are exploring alternative methodological approaches, taking advantage of telecommunication and digital tools for remote data collection. However, the authors argue that qualitative researchers should consider utilizing self-narratives of their experiences during the pandemic as a rich source of qualitative data for further delving into the socioeconomic, political and cultural impacts of the pandemic. Originality/value The authors’ focus might be secondary in the minds of many social scientists who are directly contributing to our understanding of how the pandemic has upended communities. However, despite some limitations and ethical concerns, we urge qualitative researchers to embrace the potentials of CAE to study society, especially, but not only, in this unprecedented time

2019-20 coronavirus outbreak · Autoethnography · Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 · Pandemic · Political science · Project commissioning · Public relations · Publishing · Reflection (computer programming · Social science · Sociology · Computer Science · Higher Education Practises and Engagement · Innovative Education and Learning Practices · Law · Medicine · Psychology · Social Work Education and Practice · Virology