ECQI2024 7th European Congress of Qualitative Inquiry Conference

Description

International Federation of Social Workers include the ability to demonstrate a critical understanding of social research and the principles, ethics, and applications of scientific enquiry (SWRB, 2019; IFSW, 2023, AASW, 2023). Co-operative inquiry (CI) is a collaborative research methodology that is suited to field education research as it is respectful, participatory, and upholds the unique dignity of each person involved in the research (Reason, 2002). An inquiry process is grounded in the idea that research can be conducted with people, not on people (Napan et al., 2017). For example, CI highlights the principle of the equality of voices within the co-authoring process; this is made possible because students and academics have power over what is written and published (Short & Healy, 2017). An inductive, participatory research approach can bridge geographical divides and promote inequality of participation, ensuring everyone is on equal footing, and all opinions are sought. CI brings students and academics together as co-authors, co-participants, and co-researchers. A community of trust is developed, combining participants’ values with their professional or personal knowledge and experience (Bowles et al in Egan et al, 2021; Short & Healy, 2017). In considering the tensions and pressures inherent in neoliberal higher education, this presentation will remind us of the codes of ethics of AASW, SWRB and IASW and emphasise the importance of collaboration and respect in relation to social justice, and social theory research. The outcomes of three student inquiries will be shared, including how they led to people (students) connecting to an international research network, presenting at international conferences and publishing their work in international academic journals. Here is feedback from one student participant: “Our research was unique as it was student-led and privileged the voices of students, not something that traditional research usually incorporates”

Period	10 Jan 2024
Event type	Conference
Location	Helsinki, FinlandShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International