Interrogating the Third Space: Three Voices One Research Perspective
Location
DeSantis Room 1052
Format Type
Plenary
Format Type
Paper
Start Date
17-1-2020 4:00 PM
End Date
17-1-2020 4:20 PM
Abstract
Bhabha (1994) contends that there is an intermediate space in-between subject positions that displaces hegemonic practices. He notes this is a third space which is productive, reflective and engenders new possibilities. In this research project three researchers from 3 different research backgrounds and academic disciplines drew on Bhabha’s third space theory to reflect on their experience in conducting a collaborative research. The collaborative research process created a third space where the researchers were able to share their perspectives and challenge ideas to achieve consensus. Utilizing a critical narrative inquiry approach the researchers shared their experiences on working with each other in a collaborative research project. They sought to explore: 1) How three different perspectives of research contributes to the research process? 2) What the collaborative research practice looks like? 3) How this process can contribute to new positions in qualitative research? Data were collected through the researchers’ critical narrative/reflections on the process. Narratives were analyzed using a cross case thematic analysis. Preliminary findings revealed that the research process was not linear and prescriptive but more so a descriptive process which created a space for new understandings about collaborative research to emerge. Additionally, whereas there were initial challenges in understanding each other’s perspectives the critical collaborative dialogue opened the window for what we call a third space.
Keywords
Third Space, critical collaborative dialogue, critical narrative inquiry
Interrogating the Third Space: Three Voices One Research Perspective
DeSantis Room 1052
Bhabha (1994) contends that there is an intermediate space in-between subject positions that displaces hegemonic practices. He notes this is a third space which is productive, reflective and engenders new possibilities. In this research project three researchers from 3 different research backgrounds and academic disciplines drew on Bhabha’s third space theory to reflect on their experience in conducting a collaborative research. The collaborative research process created a third space where the researchers were able to share their perspectives and challenge ideas to achieve consensus. Utilizing a critical narrative inquiry approach the researchers shared their experiences on working with each other in a collaborative research project. They sought to explore: 1) How three different perspectives of research contributes to the research process? 2) What the collaborative research practice looks like? 3) How this process can contribute to new positions in qualitative research? Data were collected through the researchers’ critical narrative/reflections on the process. Narratives were analyzed using a cross case thematic analysis. Preliminary findings revealed that the research process was not linear and prescriptive but more so a descriptive process which created a space for new understandings about collaborative research to emerge. Additionally, whereas there were initial challenges in understanding each other’s perspectives the critical collaborative dialogue opened the window for what we call a third space.