PS398 Chapter 6: Obtaining and Maintaining Rapport, Presentations of Self in Field, and REAs
Document Summary
Once all formal permissions have been obtained, rapport process takes centre stage and continues until study is over. At minimum, rapport refers to sense of respect, trust, positive regard between researcher and participants that enhances openness in information sharing. Rapport also refers to maintaining good relations w study sites and their representatives. Paying incentives facilitates development of rapport but can never substitute for interpersonal skills. Once a participant is engaged in the study, rapport is maintained or deepened by careful attention to changes that might signal distraction or fatigue. Rapport is enhanced engaging in small talk before and after the interview as well as by the psychological benefits of the interview itself. Qualitative researchers vary in how they present themselves; depending on their personal preferences as well as the particular setting being entered. Feminist researchers advocate research partnership; roles are blurred and researchers actively engaged in coproducing findings w respondents.
