Making space for failure in geographic research

Harrowell, Elly; Davies, Thom; Disney, Tom

Abstract

The idea that field research is an inherently “messy” process has become widely accepted by geographers in recent years. There has thus far been little acknowledgment, however, of the role that failure plays in doing human geography. In this article we push back against this, arguing that failure should be recognized as a central component of what it means to do qualitative geographical field research. This article seeks to use failure proactively and provocatively as a powerful resource to improve research practice and outcomes, reconsidering and giving voice to it as everyday, productive, and necessary to our continual development as researchers and academics. This article argues that there is much value to be found in failure if it is critically examined and shared, and—crucially—if there is a supportive space in which to exchange our experiences of failing in the field.

Citation

Harrowell, E., Davies, T., & Disney, T. (2018). Making space for failure in geographic research. Professional Geographer, 70(2), 230-238. https://doi.org/10.1080/00330124.2017.1347799

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 1, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Aug 10, 2017
• Publication Date: Apr 3, 2018
• Deposit Date: Oct 29, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 29, 2018
• Journal: The Professional Geographer
• Print ISSN: 0033-0124
• Electronic ISSN: 1467-9272
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 70
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 230-238
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00330124.2017.1347799
• Keywords: ethnography, failure, field research, geography, qualitative methods
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1207822
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00330124.2017.1347799
• Additional Information: Peer Review Statement: The publishing and review policy for this title is described in its Aims & Scope.; Aim & Scope: http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=rtpg20