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The Researcher as an Instrument

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Computer Supported Qualitative Research (WCQR 2019)

Part of the book series: Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing ((AISC,volume 1068))

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Abstract

In qualitative research, there are many different sources of data. Qualitative research data are collected using many different methods. Interestingly, one of these data collection methods is the researcher himself or herself. This is the reason why most experts consider the researcher as an instrument. The question always asked is “What does it really mean?” This chapter explains what it is and what is expected from the researcher in his or her role as an instrument throughout a qualitative research study. The ethical considerations pertaining to this important role are also discussed. This chapter is meant to bring this important role to everyone’s awareness so that rigor in qualitative research can be fostered.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Asian Qualitative Research Association, Adventist University of Africa, Advent Hill Road, Ongata Rongai, Nairobi, Kenya

    Safary Wa-Mbaleka

Authors
  1. Safary Wa-Mbaleka
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Correspondence to Safary Wa-Mbaleka .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Education and Psychology, Research Center on Didactics and Technology in Education of Trainers (CIDTFF), Ludomedia and University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal

    António Pedro Costa

  2. Faculty of Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science Laboratory (LIACC), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal

    Luís Paulo Reis

  3. Department of Education and Psychology, Research Center on Didactics and Technology in Education of Trainers (CIDTFF), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal

    António Moreira

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Wa-Mbaleka, S. (2020). The Researcher as an Instrument. In: Costa, A., Reis, L., Moreira, A. (eds) Computer Supported Qualitative Research. WCQR 2019. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 1068. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-31787-4_3

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