I want to share a few things that I have learned are helpful as part of a research practice with sensitive subjects and/or vulnerable populations.

• Don’t relate – listen. As I mentioned above, I’m a total interloper. …
• Stories are gifts. …
• Listen first, research second. …
• Ask, just ask. …
• Cultural gatekeepers. …
• Take time to process.

Which research method is better when conducting research on sensitive topics?

Qualitative research

Qualitative research is more suited to the study of sensitive topics as it does not assume prior knowledge of people’s experiences (Lee, 1993). Instead it allows people to develop and express their own reality.

What are sensitive subjects?

A sensitive subject or issue needs to be dealt with carefully because it is likely to cause disagreement or make people angry or upset.

Why researchers should be sensitive to the research participants?

It is important therefore that, in order to minimise the impact/consequences for the individuals/groups concerned, researchers undertaking sensitive research consider beforehand what potential risks may arise from the research, to whom and how these risks could be removed, reduced or best managed.

What is sensitivity in qualitative research?

Researcher sensitivity refers to a host of skills that the qualitative researcher employs throughout all phases of the research cycle. For instance, the researcher needs to be sensitive to the impact that gender or class has on recruitment, data collection, and data analysis.

How do you handle sensitive topics?

They are as follows:

1. Step 1: Show empathy and listen intently. The person has already put themselves in a vulnerable position by coming forward in the first place. …
2. Step 2: When appropriate, ask questions to better understand the issue. It doesn’t stop with just listening. …
3. Step 3: Exhibit loyalty and provide guidance.

How do you teach sensitive topics?

10 Steps: Teaching Sensitive Topics to Students

1. Inform Parents and Administrators. …
2. Be Sensitive to Student Backgrounds and Experiences. …
3. Allow Ample Time. …
4. Consider Using a Video Prompt. …
5. Create Discussion Rules. …
6. Focus on Solutions. …
7. Watch For Signs of Discomfort. …
8. Break up the Discussion with Other Activities.

What is sensitive research data?

Sensitive data can include information that can harm an individual or their reputation, including information about health, criminal record, or behaviors.

How do you maintain confidentiality in a research study?

Breach of confidentiality is a potential risk of participating in research. To protect participants’ confidentiality, you should encrypt computer-based files, store documents (i.e., signed consent forms) in a locked file cabinet and remove personal identifiers from study documents as soon as possible.

Why is it important to protect human subjects in research?

It is of central importance because we are ethical people, and society has set up regulations to assure minimum ethical standards in protecting subjects. Protecting subjects is also critical to society’s research goal, since research subjects will not volunteer if the fear of harm becomes a major issue.

How do you quantify sensitivity?

Using your recorded data, calculate the difference of the two voltage measurements and the two current set points. Then, divide the difference in volts by the difference in amperes. The result is a sensitivity coefficient of 0.1 Volts per Ampere.

How can you improve theoretical sensitivity in your qualitative research?

Our theoretical sensitivity can be raised by memoing, the process of recording thoughts, feelings, decisions, ideas, processes and analytical insights as they emerge during the data collection, coding, analysis process, and during memoing itself.

Why is it important to consider ethical issues in research?

Research ethics govern the standards of conduct for scientific researchers. It is important to adhere to ethical principles in order to protect the dignity, rights and welfare of research participants.

What is another word for sensitive topic?

Some common synonyms of sensitive are exposed, liable, open, prone, subject, and susceptible. While all these words mean “being by nature or through circumstances likely to experience something adverse,” sensitive implies a readiness to respond to or be influenced by forces or stimuli.

What is the meaning of being sensitive?

a(1) : easily hurt or damaged especially : easily hurt emotionally. (2) : delicately aware of the attitudes and feelings of others. b : excessively or abnormally susceptible : hypersensitive sensitive to egg protein. c : readily fluctuating in price or demand sensitive commodities.

What is sensitivity in research?

Sensitivity refers to a test’s ability to designate an individual with disease as positive. A highly sensitive test means that there are few false negative results, and thus fewer cases of disease are missed. The specificity of a test is its ability to designate an individual who does not have a disease as negative.

What is an example of sensitivity?

I was surprised by her extreme sensitivity about even the smallest suggestions that we made. This is a matter of great political sensitivity. He handled the situation with great sensitivity. Her decision shows a lack of sensitivity.