Abstract

This paper explores the researcher’s experience of conducting insider research and a critical analysis of the relevant literature on this topic. The aim of the professional doctorate incorporates making a significant contribution to the researcher’s own professional practice. This includes but is not limited to conducting a research study within the researcher’s own practice. The concomitant result is that the researcher is thus classed as an inside researcher. The unique position of the researcher can potentially make a difference on the overall results (Costley, Elliott and Gibbs 2010).

The research on the professional doctorate was titled Collapsing Hierarchies and Dissolving Dichotomies in Higher Education through Subject Specific Communities of Practice and explored the working relationships between two groups of staff at a North Eastern University. For the study, an interpretative paradigm was adopted, and semi structured interviews were conducted from a sample of staff. Within the study there needed to be an understanding of the position of the researcher and an understanding of the issues that may influence the findings within the study. These issues include but are not limited to sensitivity towards colleague and potential bias in terms of analyzing the data. Whilst undertaking the research there were choices that had to be made in terms of the methodological issue of insider research. This paper offers an insight into the experiences and choices the author was faced with throughout the research through a process of self-reflection. This is then compared through a critical analysis of the work of other researchers. The work of Teusner 2017, Fleming 2018 and Costley, Elliott and Gibbs 2010 will be critically examined alongside other key research in this area.