By Karen Sternheimer

A common question that comes up in my research methods class has to do with conducting research on topics that we are interested in, and maybe even groups that we are part of. Can we do research on issues close to our experience while still maintaining objectivity, or does our membership in a group mean that we are “biased?”

First, a note on terminology. Objectivity means that we are “faithful to the facts,” as this article on researcher objectivity points out. It doesn’t mean we don’t have related experiences or points of view, but instead that we are able to set those aside when evaluating our findings and be open to being wrong, or at least that others’ experiences might differ greatly from our own.

We can do this by laying out our assumptions and reflecting upon our personal experiences and how they might shape our perspectives. Ironically, as much as students might like to point out possible “biases” in others’ research, they can have a hard time identifying their own assumptions.

If objectivity is fidelity to facts, bias literally means slanted in one direction, or ignoring findings to fit a preconceived narrative. It begins by failing to question basic assumptions we might make and a stubborn adherence to an outcome regardless of the data we gather.

While research often springs from personal experience, it doesn’t mean that research is necessarily biased. Sociologist Max Weber wrote that research should strive to be value free, but realistically we should acknowledge that much of our thinking is shaped by our own specific social identities. Even being aware of a particular issue worth studying stems from our experiences, perhaps related to our ethnicity, gender, nationality, religious background, or a combination of these things. Studying people in one’s ethnic group, or any other shared connection isn’t a deal breaker for good research.

So how do we conduct research—a systematic study where we gather data and rigorously analyze our findings—rather than “me search”—filled with our own personal experiences, opinions, and assumptions?

1. Start by unpacking your assumptions

While you might not include your relevant personal history in a research paper, it’s a good idea to reflect upon how your background might shape any assumptions you may have. For instance, you might be a part of a religious group and be faithful to its religious texts. That’s fine, but it is important to be aware that as a participant you might have blind spots that a newcomer might not. Philosopher Alfred Schutz wrote about the importance of “making the familiar strange,” or trying to think like an outsider even if you are not.

Think about how you would describe this group to people who aren’t familiar with it: what are its core beliefs? It’s taken-for-granted assumptions? It’s rules and rituals?

It’s always a good idea to realistically consider what you are open to thinking critically about and what you are not. Your research question might steer clear of religious doctrine if you are interested in something else but are focusing on this group as your central source of participants.

2. Create a research question

Your research question is the centerpiece of your study. Remember, a question is something you don’t already know the answer to but is what want to learn. You might be interested in what brings newcomers to your congregation, and how they assimilate into the group. Is the process seamless or does it involve written or unwritten procedures?

You might be inspired to ask this question because at one point you were new to a congregation when your family moved to another city, and the process of fitting took time. Or perhaps it was seamless—do members who are part of neighboring congregations blend in easier than others?

Asking questions means being open to finding out answers from the research participants, not only using your personal experience (me search) to answer the question.

3. Choose a method and collect data

Your research question will guide you to choose the best method to answer your question. If you are looking for broad, macro-level patterns, finding an existing dataset might be your best option. To understand people’s experiences, choosing a qualitative method like in-depth interviews or ethnography will probably work well.

What if you are already a member of the group; will that present a conflict of interest of sorts? Not necessarily—in fact, ethnographers sometimes work hard to gain access to groups, so being a member already might help you bypass gatekeepers. But you must consider your role in this group, and how it might impact your ability to gather data to address your research question.

Regardless of your role, it is vital to keep an open mind and do your best to “make the familiar strange.” If you are in a position of authority, how might this impact your interactions? Ethically, you might need to disclose that you are doing research to allow people to opt out if they choose, depending on your research question and method.

4. Analyze your data—and be open to what you find

What did you find? Is it different from your expectations and experiences? It’s okay if your findings vary from your predictions; in fact, findings that challenge our assumptions or the beliefs of others is what makes research interesting. Remain “faithful to the facts” and your research will be useful to the sociological conversation.