Confessions of a Novice Researcher: An Auto-Ethnography of Inherent Vulnerabilities

• In Event: 61.070 - Sheraton Roundtable 10 - Osgoode Ballroom
  In Roundtable Session: 61.070-7 - (Re)Thinking Auto-Ethnography and Biography

Abstract

Despite extensive research into notions of identity, researcher identity is relatively un(der)represented in current literature. In this autoethnography, I describe my ongoing experience as a doctoral student. Presenting my novice researcher experiences as a confessional tale, I explore moments of insecurity and vulnerability that threatened to paralyze my progress during a practicum study. Data were generated through reflexive analytic memos, conversations with my academic advisor, and interactive interviews with fellow graduate students. Through this autoethnography, I aim to spark an important conversation within academia that (1) acknowledges the underlying vulnerabilities of practicum research experiences, and (2) considers the implications of (re)designing doctoral programs to make visible the ongoing internal negotiation of one’s researcher identity.

Author

• Laura M Kennedy, Michigan State University