Qualitative researchers may encounter challenging situations or disturbing data throughout their research around sensitive topics or with marginalized groups. To date, little research has explored this issue across a range of social science disciplines or with researchers at different points of their research careers.

What is sensitivity in qualitative research?

Researcher sensitivity refers to a host of skills that the qualitative researcher employs throughout all phases of the research cycle. For instance, the researcher needs to be sensitive to the impact that gender or class has on recruitment, data collection, and data analysis.

Is qualitative method is more suitable for sensitive topics?

Qualitative research methods are particularly suitable for research into sensitive issues in general (Connolly & Reilly, 2007; Dickson-Swift et al., 2009; Devine, 2013) and workplace bullying in particular (Perry, Thurston, & Greene, 2004; Tracy, Lutgen-Sandvik, & Alberts, 2006).