Document Type
Article
Publication Title
The Qualitative Report
ISSN
1052-0147
Volume
18
Issue
14
First Page
1
Last Page
16
Publication Date
1-1-2013
Abstract
In this paper the author explores how relationships are defined within the context of constructing a life history. The life history of Benjamin, a homeless young man transitioning to adulthood, is used to illustrate how difficult it is to define the parameters of the research environment. During an “ethically important moment” in the research process, the author had to critically analyze his obligation to his participant based upon the relational titles exchanged. As chaos in Benjamin’s life increased, a choice needed to be made about the researcher’s involvement in his life. Should the researcher provide support or simply document events? Based upon the obligations inherent in how Benjamin defined his relationship with the researcher, the author explains why and how Benjamin’s life was interrupted.
Recommended Citation
Hackett, R. E. (2013). Interrupting Life History: The Evolution of Relationship within Research. The Qualitative Report, 18(14), 1-16. Retrieved from http://nsuworks.nova.edu/tqr/vol18/iss14/1
Creative Commons License
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