The Benefits of Being a Nurse in Critical Social Research Practice

Abstract

In critical social research, or research that evokes feminist or critical epistemological positions, researchers must examine their own situatedness vis-à-vis their research participants and work toward methods that break down the hierarchies inherent in the research relationship and empower research participants. Such aspects of research practices necessitate strong interpersonal skills, characteristic of many nurses. Drawing on their experiences, the authors critically appraise the benefits of nursing in critical social research practice. Nurses can move beyond their own discipline to use their skills, identity, and intersubjective way of relating with others to gain access to participants and data. Through a unique process of building meaning and interpreting data, nurse researchers are well placed to take effective actions for change.