Novice Researchers Navigating Micro-Ethics and Positionality in Qualitative Research: A Duoethnography

Cheng, Joanne; Mecham, Sonja

doi:10.30479/jmrels.2025.3832

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Cultures, Michigan State University, Michigan, USA

https://doi.org/10.30479/jmrels.2025.3832

Abstract

Ethics in research have become an increasingly important area in applied linguistics (Yaw et al., 2023). Specifically, there has been greater attention to micro-ethics, which are the day-to-day practices undertaken by researchers to manage ethical decisions throughout the research process (De Costa et al., 2019). However, little research exists to understand the processes for how researchers acquire micro-ethical research skills. Our duoethnographic study, which was inspired by Burleigh and Burm’s (2022) framework, explores our own experiences as students in a qualitative research methods class that emphasized ethical practices, reflexivity, and positionality. Through our conversations, we identified key practices that enhanced our micro-ethical awareness and attention to positionality. First, we learned to value transparency and effective collaboration with participants as micro-ethical practices. Building positive relationships can mitigate micro-ethical issues and inform our understanding of positionality. We outlined core micro-ethical values, including co-constructing knowledge and navigating power dynamics respectfully, which should be applied throughout all research stages. Second, we explored our understanding of positionality: a researcher’s positionality may differ across various research sites and interactions, raising questions about their role in maintaining ethical integrity, especially when teaching while conducting research. Researchers can boost methodological rigor by reflecting on and being transparent about micro-ethical decisions and positionality throughout the research process and by building positive relationships with the participant community. We conclude by emphasizing that professional training, mentorship, hands-on experience, and reflection are essential for novice researchers learning to embed these ethical principles into everyday research practices.

Keywords

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Novice Researchers Navigating Micro-Ethics and Positionality in Qualitative Research: A Duoethnography

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Volume 12, Special issue (Quality in Qualitative Research)September 2025Pages 5-26

Volume 12, Special issue (Quality in Qualitative Research)
September 2025
Pages 5-26