A study note on the researcher's positionality in dissertation projects (information from perplexity.ai)
My question 1:"What is researcher's positionality in dissertation project all about from the research philosophy perspectives of positivism, interpretivism, pragmatism and critical realism?"
The reply: "Researcher's positionality in a dissertation refers to the researcher's own background, values, beliefs, and experiences and how these influence their approach to the research — including the interpretation of data and interaction with participants. From the perspective of different research philosophies, positionality has distinct implications:
Positivism: In this philosophy, which emphasizes objectivity and a single reality independent of the researcher, positionality is ideally minimized. The researcher tries to remain detached and neutral, avoiding bias to receive objective, measurable data. The researcher’s worldview is seen as separate from the research subject. Positionality statements are less emphasized, as the goal is to eliminate subjective influence.
Interpretivism: This philosophy considers reality as socially constructed and subjective, meaning the researcher’s positionality plays a critical role. The researcher is acknowledged as part of the social world studied, and their experiences, identity, and biases affect the research process. Positionality statements show transparency about how these factors shape understanding and interpretation of participants' perspectives. Reflexivity—critically reflecting on one’s positionality—is essential and valued to increase credibility.
Pragmatism: Pragmatism focuses on practical consequences and problem-solving, allowing a flexible approach to knowledge that blends subjective and objective viewpoints. Positionality here acknowledges the researcher’s perspective but prioritizes usefulness and application of findings. Researchers may adopt mixed methods and reflect on positionality as part of incorporating different angles, balancing personal insight with empirical data.
Critical Realism: Though no direct citation was found in the current search, critical realism generally recognizes that an external reality exists but that our understanding is inevitably filtered through social, historical, and personal lenses. Hence, positionality is important to consider as the researcher’s worldview influences how reality is perceived and interpreted. The researcher must critically reflect on these influences and how they shape the construction of knowledge.
My question 2:"Suggest some advice to the part-time student researcher on this topic if: (1) at the outset, the researcher is intellectually not familiar with the research theme (e.g. housing affordability [Housing Studies-related], servant leadership [MBA-related], (2) the researcher's age is much younger than that of the research interviewees [Housing Studies and MBA-related], and (3) the researcher does not have working experience on the research theme (e.g. launching a startup in Hong Kong [MBA-related], making recommendations on urban renewal in Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong [Housing Studies-related])."
The reply: "Advice for the Part-Time Student Researcher Facing These Challenges
Navigating research when you’re less familiar with your theme, younger than your interviewees, and lack direct work experience can be daunting—yet your project can still be robust, insightful, and credible. Here’s targeted advice, aligned with the positionality perspectives from your previous inquiry:
1. **Intellectual Inexperience with the Research Theme
Immerse Yourself Early: Do a deep dive into landmark texts, authoritative reports, and recent scholarly articles in your field (e.g., housing affordability, servant leadership). This helps you quickly gain foundational knowledge and understand key terminology and debates.
Engage with Experts and Practitioners: Seek out seminars, guest lectures, or podcasts to hear real-world perspectives.
Be Transparent: In your dissertation, clearly acknowledge your learning journey. Many research philosophies (especially interpretivism and critical realism) see value in openness about your own knowledge development; this can enhance trustworthiness.
2. **Age Gap Between Researcher and Interviewees
Leverage Your Unique Perspective: Being younger allows you to ask questions without preconceived assumptions. Frame your youth as an asset for fresh insight.
Build Rapport Respectfully: When approaching interviewees older than you, show respect for their experience. Explain your motivation and research goals, and express genuine curiosity.
Acknowledge Power Dynamics: Positionality frameworks (and especially critical realism) highlight that age and social position affect researcher-participant relationships. Be reflexive: keep a diary noting interview dynamics and how your age may shape responses.
3. **Lack of Direct Work Experience on the Topic
Utilize Secondary Sources: Supplement your understanding by reviewing case studies, industry reports, news articles, and analyses on startups or urban renewal projects.
Collaborate and Consult: Reach out to practitioners or mentors, even for short, informal conversations or feedback.
Maintain Reflexivity: In your project’s methodology section, openly note your outsider status. In many approaches (interpretivism/pragmatism/critical realism), recognizing your position strengthens, rather than weakens, your credibility.
Additional Practical Tips
Reflexive Journaling: Keep a running log of your feelings, questions, and evolving understandings—this is especially respected in interpretivist and critical realist research.
Positionality Statement: Write a brief statement in your dissertation about your background, age, knowledge status, and how these might shape your work.
Ethical Sensitivity: Be particularly careful about confidentiality and consent, as differences in age or background can influence power dynamics.
Balance Humility and Confidence: Own your gaps, but also the rigor you bring as a learner.
In Summary
Intellectual inexperience and youthful age aren’t obstacles if you approach them reflexively and transparently.
Practice humility, curiosity, and open communication with your participants and mentors.
Let your unique position inspire thoughtful reflection—which will ultimately enrich your research and be valued by examiners trained in varied philosophical traditions."
My question 3: "Please provide 2 example of a researcher's positionality statement with reference to our topic of discussion, one MBA-related and one Housing Studies-related."
The reply: "Example 1: MBA-Related Positionality Statement (Servant Leadership, Startups in Hong Kong)
As a part-time MBA student with a keen interest in organizational leadership, I undertake this research on servant leadership in the context of startups in Hong Kong. I acknowledge my positionality as a young researcher who has not personally launched a startup nor held significant leadership positions. My background in business education shapes my understanding of leadership theories, and my status as a student may influence how startup founders and experienced managers perceive and interact with me. I recognize that my lack of direct entrepreneurial experience may prompt me to approach participants with both curiosity and humility, relying on their expertise to deepen my understanding. Reflexively, I am conscious of possible generational and experiential gaps, and I intend to maintain transparency, respect, and ethical sensitivity when engaging with participants, allowing their narratives to guide my interpretations.
Example 2: Housing Studies-Related Positionality Statement (Urban Renewal in Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong)
As a younger researcher in the field of Housing Studies, my project focuses on urban renewal and housing affordability in Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong. With no prior professional experience in urban planning or community development, my insights are primarily informed by academic literature and conversations with practitioners. The age difference between myself and most research interviewees—many of whom have decades of experience in housing policy or as community residents—positions me as both an outsider and emerging scholar. This gap may influence both the information shared with me and my interpretation of participants’ perspectives. I am committed to reflexivity, continuously reflecting upon how my personal background, youth, and lack of direct professional involvement may shape research processes and outcomes. I aim to foster trust and mutual respect in participant interactions, and to explicitly acknowledge these influences within my research findings.
These statements prioritize transparency, humility, and reflexivity in line with interpretivist and critical realist expectations, while also being relevant and credible for MBA and Housing Studies dissertation projects."
My question 4: "When is it desirable or mandatory to provide a researcher's positionality statement in a dissertation report?"
The reply: "It is desirable or mandatory to provide a researcher's positionality statement in a dissertation report primarily when the research paradigm and methodology emphasize reflexivity, transparency, and the situated nature of knowledge. Specifically:
In qualitative and interpretivist research, where the researcher’s background, perspectives, and relationship to the subject are recognized as influencing the research process and findings, a positionality statement is generally mandatory or strongly recommended. This is common in social sciences, including fields like Housing Studies and MBA topics involving human subjects or complex social phenomena. It enhances trustworthiness, ethical transparency, and reflexivity.
Critical realism and pragmatism paradigms also favor articulating positionality to clarify how the researcher's stance influences interpretation and methodology. Here, the positionality statement supports rigor and practical clarity, making it highly desirable.
Positionality statements are usually included in the methodology chapter or introduction as part of making research assumptions, influences, and the researcher’s relation to participants and context explicit.
For disciplines or studies grounded in positivism, which emphasize objectivity and researcher detachment, positionality statements may be less common or not expected, as the aim is to minimize researcher influence. Yet, some institutions or supervisors may still encourage a brief statement for transparency.
It is particularly important and sometimes mandatory:
When the researcher has personal, social, or professional connections to the topic or participants.
When there are potential power dynamics (e.g., age, social status) affecting the research.
In fields that involve ethical sensitivity and require reflection on the researcher’s influence on data collection and analysis.
In dissertations that include reflexive elements as part of research rigor.
In short, providing a positionality statement is mandatory or highly advisable when the research approach acknowledges the researcher's influence as an integral part of the study—notably in qualitative, interpretivist, critical realist, and pragmatic frameworks—and should transparently explain how the researcher's background, worldview, and relationships shape the research process and findings.
Step-by-step guide to writing positionality statements emphasizing transparency and bias acknowledgment
IGI Global on researcher positionality importance in dissertations with practitioner links."
A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.
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