Relacja badacz-badany - problemy metodologiczne i etyczne (na marginesie badań nad życiem codziennym w domach pomocy społecznej)

Abstract

Ethical dilemmas encountered by the authoress using participant observation in a house of social assistance for incapacitated persons are discussed. Two exemplary cases are analysed: 1) an elderly man with temporarily cured epilepsy developed a strong attachment to the researcher in the course of biographic interview; when she could not come for an appointed meeting he was so upset that fits re-appeared; 2) an invalid woman who claimed to suffer from acute pain in her leg asked the researcher to report it directly to the doctor which was contrary to the rules and could antagonize the nurses who suspected simulation. This illustrates difficulties caused by conflicting expectations directed to a researcher by various categories of persons involved in social relations with her/him in the course of research.