Purpose:The purpose of this study is to address challenging issues in protecting
researchers in risky situations. Method: A case study addressed the importance of risk prevention and researcher
safety. In six interviews, a social scientist shared feelings of vulnerability
when she conducted ethnographic research with sex workers and gang members. Results: Qualitative results explain the concerns from the eyes of a vulnerable researcher in six
factors: Support, Safety, System Connection, Situations, and Struggles.
The vulnerable researcher phenomenon is defined as the emotional labor faced by
the researcher in situations that are dangerous and risky. Implications: While taking care of the research
subjects’ well-being, researchers must also be reminded that ethical
behaviors in their field also include self-protection. Social scientists must
advocate for a standard protocol in IRB applications to include protecting
researcher safety and ensuring identity privacy.
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