19 Creating a positionality statement

A positionality statement is a declaration that researchers make to acknowledge and describe their own position, perspective, or positionality in relation to the research they are conducting or the topic they are discussing. It is a self-reflective statement that helps to clarify the researcher’s or author’s own background, beliefs, experiences, and biases and how these factors may influence their research or writing. They serve several purposes:

• Transparency: Positionality statements promote transparency in research. By openly acknowledging their own position and potential biases, researchers demonstrate their commitment to honest and open inquiry.
• Accountability: Researchers take responsibility for their own subjectivity and the potential impact it may have on their research findings and interpretations.
• Contextualization: Positionality statements help readers or stakeholders understand the context from which the research is conducted. This can be important in understanding how research findings apply to different contexts or populations.
• Ethical Considerations: Positionality statements can help researchers identify and address potential ethical issues, such as power imbalances, exploitation, or conflicts of interest.
• Interpretation: The researcher’s positionality can influence the interpretation of data. Being aware of one’s own position can help in a more accurate and nuanced analysis.

The goal of a positionality statement is not to eliminate bias entirely, which is often impossible, but rather to make it explicit and manageable. By acknowledging one’s positionality, researchers can work to mitigate its impact on their research by engaging in more reflexive and self-aware scholarship. Making visible the power and privilege held by a researcher provides more contextual cues for the reader/reviewer to frame the research project (Olmos-Vega, Stalmeijer, Varpio & Kahlke 2023; Humphreys, Lewis, Sender & Won 2021; Pillow 2003). For an in-depth debate on the uses and misuses of positionality statements see the work of Boveda & Annamma 2023 and Pillow 2003). Despite the some of the pitfalls of utilizing a positionality statement, the practice can enhance the credibility and validity of the research (Humphreys, Lewis, Sender & Won 2021).

A typical positionality statement may include information about the researcher’s:

• Personal background (e.g., gender, race, ethnicity, age, socio-economic status).
• Educational and professional experiences.
• Beliefs, values, and biases.
• Research interests and motivations.
• Relationship to the research topic or study participants.

NOTE: Please only post the information about yourself that you would feel comfortable sharing in a peer-reviewed journal article or other publication. This is a “Challenge by Choice*” activity where you decide how much information you are willing to share in a public forum, which might be similar as to what you might include in a publication. However, a private and more detailed positionality statement can help to support research design, data collections, and dissemination of the research findings.

*Challenge by choice: asks that participants challenge themselves and participate fully in the experience. Recognizing that any activity or goal may pose a different level and type of challenge for each group member and that authentic personal change comes from within. Challenge by Choice creates an environment where participants are asked to search for opportunities to stretch and grow during the experience. (May 16, 2013 Experiential Leadership Institute)

Write and share your positionality statement

The following activity involves writing a positionality statement within the context of your research programs. Use these questions to guide the writing of your positionality statement:

1. Begin by locating the diverse identity intersections you hold. How have these identities shaped you as a researcher? How have they shaped the kinds of research questions you pursue? The approaches you take? The way you define and share knowledge?
2. Reflect on how your identity and life experiences influence the power dynamics and (un)conscious bias encountered in your research.
3. Finish your positionality statement by explaining how you will hold yourself accountable for the power and privilege you hold.

Discussion Guidelines:

• Initial Post: Please post your positionality statement.
• Engagement with Peers: Engage with peers by reading their positionality statements and taking the time to review how others shared.  Reflect on any dimensions you might have overlooked in your statement. Consider how your statement would change based on the context and audience. No need to reply to your peers.
• Respect and Open-mindedness: Maintain respect and open-mindedness in all your interactions. It’s essential to foster a supportive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and encouraged.

Now equipped with a more nuanced understanding of your position within your research, the next section will guide you on addressing power dynamics and positionality while formulating research questions for a proposal or program.