Publisher's Synopsis
A book which examines the need for social scientists to include into their research the feelings and emotions of both themselves and their respondents. Qualitative researchers have, in part, insulated their readers from raw emotion, or failed to document the whole of the facts surrounding collection of sensitive data. By taking a "professional stance" the observer can sometimes miss the reality of what they are observing. People's problems, including the researchers' own subjective biases and feelings, need to be included in all qualitative research. The book argues that the "professional stance" frequently adopted by observers and observed unconsciously insulates the observer and hence the reader from the true picture. This book examines the worries, fears, feelings and restrictions placed on researchers when observing, recording and interviewing people about their private and sensitive inner feelings and the problems which arise when respondents being studied are in the grip of powerful emotions.
