Positionality

Last updated on Jul 19, 2024

Definition: The contextualization of both the research environment and the researcher, to de fine the boundaries within the research was produced (Jaraf, 2018). Positionality is typically centred and celebrated in qualitative research, but there have been recent calls for it to also be used in quantitative research as well. Positionality statements, whereby a researcher outlines their background and ‘position’ within and towards the research, have been suggested as one method of recognising and centring researcher bias.

Related terms: Bias, Reflexivity, Perspective

Reference: Jafar (2018); Oxford Dictionaries (2017)

Drafted and Reviewed by: Joanne McCuaig, Helena Hartmann, Aoife O’Mahony, Madeleine Pownall, Graham Reid

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