Fieldwork Diary Entry (May 11, 2014)

Friends and fieldwork. Are the two mutually compatible?  I'm not sure but seeing as I set up my fieldwork methodology to tap into all available resources around me, including friends; my methodology is now coming back to bite me.

What I am currently experiencing is a constant state of liminality as a fieldwork researcher. Because I am using friends, colleagues and acquaintances as part of my data pool and have chosen a dance subject that is everywhere, I cannot switch off from my research. It is freaking me out a bit. I have been told this is a normal part of the dissertation process; that you go a bit bonkers as you delve deeply into a subject matter within a limited time. Normal though it may be, it is still uncomfortable.

The problem with using friends as research subjects is that I already know things about them and am not as rigorous with them as I might be, for I do not want to make them uncomfortable. I am also aware that whatever favours I ask friends to do as part of this research, is a favour and whether they expect it or not, it leaves me in their debt. I also am acutely aware that there is a friendship to be maintained after all this research is over which impacts what I ask them and how I ask them. I definitely am less free as a researcher when using friends.

On the flip side, it has been very interesting to find out friend's views of dance and their history with it. Because many are aware of my dissertation subject, they send me clips, articles, links on Facebook and other titbits which they think I may be interested in. I have had friends hook me up with other people they know who might be of help to me and my research.  One friend put me in touch with several professional dancers as potential interview subjects. The help and goodwill I have experienced has been heart-warming and affirming and has more than made up for any sense of research discomfort.