Ethical Dilemmas in Unusually Personal Research

Abstract

This chapter explores ethical dilemmas faced by scholars who have unusually personal connections to their research. These dilemmas raise concerns about ontology, epistemology, axiology, and methodology. Can a scholar have a “mission” to change people’s minds and also conduct trustworthy research in that area? What happens when a scholar with personal experience encounters data that do not match that personal experience? When and how should a researcher disclose personal motivations? What if disclosing involves emotional vulnerability, like coming out as transgender, or sharing a painful story? The chapter shows how the Part I Case Study participants navigated these challenges, and how their dissertation committees responded. Potential epistemological advantages of “insider” scholarship are also discussed. The chapter ends with a list of existential questions for readers.