[Reader-list] Field Study Etiquette and Ethics

[Abhayraj Naik]

Hello,

I was wondering whether those with field experience would be able to share 
gyan (knowledge) on the question of how a researcher or a student should 
grapple with various issues of (potentially invasive) field visits:

I'm interested in the question of how one would/should engage with the 
physical space of a slum (or say a refugee camp or a temporary shelter for 
internally displaced persons) before and while carrying out field visits.

Is there any manner to sensibly and sensitively converge academic interests 
and personal emptions?

Is it advisable or preferable to enlist the support of a resident from the 
area being visited before actually entering that physical space?

What does one do with emotions such as sympathy, empathy, anger, disgust, 
fear, etc. that may arise during and after field visits?

Do camera/audio-video recording equipment represent tools for academic 
research or inappropriate symbols of disparities and possible infringers of 
privacy?

Do the residents of such areas visited have any ownership or sense of 
belonging to academic output generated?

Is there some way that persons who are visiting such areas can sensitise and 
prepare themselves to behave in a humane, fair and appropriate manner?

Anyone who can throw some light on such issues, please do.

Thanks,

Abhayraj

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