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- Title
Incidental researchers: Investigating islands from the inside out.
- Authors
Teasdale, Jennifer I; Teasdale, G Robert
- Abstract
This commentary describes the experience of two researchers who have chosen to move permanently to a small island and become fully involved in its social, cultural, economic, political, and intellectual life. Describing themselves as incidental researchers, the commentary outlines their research approaches and methodologies. The research is variously longitudinal, historical, interdisciplinary, ethnographic, intergenerational, and comparative. It uses a wide variety of techniques, both singly and in combination, including journaling and record keeping, observation, social networking, narrative and art, interviews, documentary analysis, and more. The challenge of maintaining objectivity is addressed. Real‐life examples are provided. As independent researchers, free from institutional constraints, we seek holistic engagement that benefits individuals and groups within our island community and adds to the growing body of knowledge about islands and islandness. We have been immersed in the everyday life of a small island community for over 20 years. This commentary documents the approaches and methodologies we have developed as incidental researchers, thereby allowing us to hold up a mirror for Island residents to see and understand themselves more clearly. We suggest this holistic engagement has led to outcomes that benefit individuals and groups in the local community. Beyond the island, our work has enabled us to offer insights on the wider body of knowledge about islands and islandness.
- Subjects
ISLANDS; NARRATIVE art; SOCIAL networks; INTELLECTUAL life; JOURNAL writing
- Publication
Geographical Research, 2023, Vol 61, Issue 1, p138
- ISSN
1745-5863
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/1745-5871.12530