TY - JOUR

T1 - Researching collaborative interdisciplinary teams

T2 - practices and principles for navigating researcher positionality

AU - Freeth, Rebecca Claire

AU - Vilsmaier, Ulli

PY - 2020/9/15

Y1 - 2020/9/15

N2 - Collaborative interdisciplinary research is on the rise but can be difficult and daunting. There is much to learn by studying the inner workings of collaboration, to the potential benefit of both science and technology studies (STS) and those who collaborate. We have been studying the inner workings of a collaborative interdisciplinary team using formative accompanying research (FAR). Assuming multiple insider-outsider vantage points implied adopting dynamic positionality in relation to the team. In this article, we outline an approach to navigating positionality based on these research experiences. Navigation is aided by identifying learning orientations to a collaborative team, to learn about, with or for the team; and by adopting practices and principles to balance i) observation and participation; ii) curiosity and care; and iii) impartiality and investment. We illustrate what we have learned so far, demonstrating how to apply these navigating instruments so that the skilful use of FAR positionality can advance the understanding and practice of collaborative interdisciplinary research.

AB - Collaborative interdisciplinary research is on the rise but can be difficult and daunting. There is much to learn by studying the inner workings of collaboration, to the potential benefit of both science and technology studies (STS) and those who collaborate. We have been studying the inner workings of a collaborative interdisciplinary team using formative accompanying research (FAR). Assuming multiple insider-outsider vantage points implied adopting dynamic positionality in relation to the team. In this article, we outline an approach to navigating positionality based on these research experiences. Navigation is aided by identifying learning orientations to a collaborative team, to learn about, with or for the team; and by adopting practices and principles to balance i) observation and participation; ii) curiosity and care; and iii) impartiality and investment. We illustrate what we have learned so far, demonstrating how to apply these navigating instruments so that the skilful use of FAR positionality can advance the understanding and practice of collaborative interdisciplinary research.

KW - Transdisciplinary studies

KW - interdisciplinary collaboration

KW - research methodology

KW - dynamic proximity

KW - critical reflexivity

KW - embedded relationality

KW - participant observation

U2 - 10.23987/sts.73060

DO - 10.23987/sts.73060

M3 - Journal articles

VL - 33

SP - 57

EP - 72

JO - Science and Technology Studies

JF - Science and Technology Studies

SN - 2243-4690

IS - 3

ER -