Summary
How do we draw and navigate the boundaries around the ethics of story collecting and telling? As UX researchers, we collect stories through interviews—stories that connect us with others and communicate the core humanistic values of integrity, empathy, and respect. At the crux of the matter, is that these stories are not our own—they belong to our interlocutors. As we collect data, we are not passive listeners either—we also leave our imprint on these stories through interpretation and subjective insights.
Key Insights
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Storytelling in research is entangled with power dynamics affecting who is heard and who controls the narrative.
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Researchers and participants occupy different power positions, influencing the stories collected and told.
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Positionality is fluid, multifaceted, relational, and significantly shapes research interactions.
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Reflexivity helps researchers examine their biases, assumptions, and role within the storytelling process.
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The colonial origins of anthropology inform ongoing ethical challenges in ethnographic research.
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Co-creation in research—especially in interviews—can balance power through mutual exchange of stories.
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Invitational and open-ended language during interviews empower participants and enrich storytelling.
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Ethical norms like anonymity can sometimes inadvertently silence participants wanting recognition.
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Trying to force similarity to build rapport can lead to missed connections or misinterpretations.
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Discomfort and openness to derailment in research can yield unexpected insights and growth.
Notable Quotes
"Stories are how we think; they are how we make meaning of life."
"The truth about stories is that is all that we are – Thomas King."
"Through the act of telling, a person brings their story into the story – Minha."
"Researchers and participants are telling different stories because we occupy different locations of power."
"Positionality is fluid, multifaceted, intersecting, and relational."
"We have an agenda shaping our discussion guides, so stop pretending objectivity."
"Being in a state outside of your comfort zone, while not pleasant, is the foundation for growth."
"Invitational language lets participants be in charge of parts of the interaction."
"We can’t help but collect and shape stories that inherently belong to our participants."
"Co-creation is not the end-all-be-all, but it helps negotiate power between researcher and participant."
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