Keep a-knocking (but you can’t come in):

Abstract

This paper explores methods that researchers, including students, use to gain access to research being conducted in their subject areas. I conducted a review of the literature on research methodology to find out how the access problem is defined and the points highlighted by scholars. The review was based on articles accessed through databases like Web of Science, reference books on research methodology, and handbooks on scientific writing. I then summarised the thoughts of two philosophers of science, Jorgen Habermas and Naomi Scheman, on the subject. The analysis focused on elements challenging the process of gaining access, including power and diversity dimensions. The paper concludes with a consideration of gender and diversity as operational frameworks in the process of gaining access and the possibility of applying a practice grounded in trust that would strengthen an inclusive process and the validity of a research project.

Key Words:

• gaining access
• communication
• power
• gender and diversity
• context