Navigating Personal Disclosures in Qualitative Research: To Share or Not to Share?

In the nuanced world of qualitative research, moderators face a decision: whether or not to share personal information with participants to build rapport? This decision carries significant implications for the quality and authenticity of the information being collected. Here, we explore both sides of this viewpoint, offering insights and guidance for professionals on both the client and supplier sides of the industry.

The Case for Sharing Personal Information

Building Empathy and Willingness to Divulge

One of the primary arguments for sharing personal information during moderation is the creation of empathy. When moderators share their own experiences, it humanizes them, bridging the gap between researcher and participant.

This empathetic connection can encourage participants to open up and share more candidly, especially when discussing sensitive topics. Such disclosures can signal to participants the depth and type of responses that are valuable to the research, setting a precedent for openness and detailed sharing.

Demonstrating the Types of Answers Sought

Moderators who share personal stories or opinions can also provide a model for the level of detail and honesty they hope to see in responses. It can act as a subtle cue, guiding participants on how they might structure their own answers without direct prompting, which is crucial in avoiding biased responses that merely echo the moderator’s viewpoints.

The Risks of Sharing Personal Information

While the benefits can be significant, the pitfalls of sharing personal information are equally compelling and merit careful consideration.

Potential Indifference from Participants

It's crucial to recognize that participants may not always be interested in the moderator's personal experiences. Their primary focus is often on expressing their own views and experiences rather than engaging with those of the researcher. Over-sharing can lead to disengagement, where participants become passive recipients of the moderator’s stories rather than active contributors to the discussion.

Risk of Influencing Participants’ Responses

One of the biggest risks of sharing personal information is the potential to influence participants’ responses. When a moderator shares their own experiences or opinions, it can set an unintended benchmark for participants. This can lead to "pleasing" responses that align with the moderator’s views rather than genuine personal insights. Such bias can skew the research findings, leading to less reliable and actionable insights.

Inserting Answers and Reducing Authenticity

Closely related to influencing responses is the risk of putting words into participants' mouths. By articulating personal experiences or specific viewpoints, moderators might inadvertently lead participants to mirror these thoughts, reducing the diversity and authenticity of the insights gathered. This is particularly risky in discussions where participants may feel less confident or inclined to agree with perceived authority figures.

Best Practices for Moderators

Given these pros and cons, here are some strategies for moderators seeking to navigate this complex terrain:

1. Use Discretion and Timing: Share personal information judiciously and consider the timing of such disclosures. It may be more appropriate after participants have shared their own stories, to deepen the discussion rather than steer it.
2. Maintain Professional Boundaries: While building rapport is essential, maintaining a professional boundary is crucial. Moderators should ensure that any personal information shared is relevant to the discussion and does not overshadow participant contributions.
3. Monitor Participant Reactions: Closely observe how participants react to disclosures. If they seem to mimic or overly align with the moderator’s views, it may be necessary to pull back and reframe the discussion to encourage independent thoughts.
4. Foster a Neutral Discussion Environment: Strive to create an environment where participants feel free to express diverse opinions. Encourage respectful disagreement and varied perspectives to ensure that the information collected reflects a range of experiences and viewpoints.

Conclusion

The decision to share personal information as a qualitative moderator is not one to be taken lightly. While it can enhance the depth and quality of discussions, it also carries risks that can compromise the integrity of the findings.

By applying thoughtful strategies and maintaining an awareness of the dynamics at play, moderators can navigate this challenge effectively, ensuring that their sessions yield rich, unbiased insights. As with many elements of qualitative research, the key lies in striking the right balance—leveraging personal stories when beneficial but always prioritizing the participant’s voice and experience.