BERA ECR Conference: The ECR Journey: At Crossroads of Becoming

In my EdD study, I embarked on an in-depth exploration of vegan children's experiences in secondary schools (Marshall, 2023), a topic that critically examines and challenges normative practices within educational settings. This inquiry not only highlighted the complexities of dietary choices in schools but also served as a lens to scrutinise established educational norms. My unique position as both a teacher and an ethical vegan significantly shaped the trajectory and depth of this research. This dual identity provided a distinctive perspective, blending personal beliefs with professional roles to investigate a socially significant yet under-explored area (Arber, 2018.)

The paper presented here delves into the intricate methodological and ethical challenges encountered when navigating the dual roles of a researcher: as an insider informed by personal vegan beliefs, and as an academic observer (Pedley, 2021.) This dual standpoint offered an intimate understanding of the research topic but also raised questions about potential biases and ethical dilemmas. To address these reflexive challenges, the study employed various strategies to uphold objectivity and maintain ethical integrity. These included continuous self-reflection, actively seeking diverse viewpoints, and sustaining a critical distance from the research subject. A key focus of the paper is the researcher's awareness of their biases and how these might influence the research process (Fleming, 2021).

This research, influenced profoundly by my dual identity, marries personal beliefs with professional experience, guiding a unique exploration into this pertinent and lesser-known field. The study situates itself at the confluence of educational practice and ethical considerations, investigating how these intersect and affect vegan children's experiences in secondary schools.

In addressing the impact of the researcher's identity on the research process, the paper emphasises the importance of recognising and managing personal biases. This includes continuous self-awareness, triangulating data from varied sources, and seeking peer review and feedback to challenge and refine conclusions. The research (Fleming, 2021; Pedley, 2021 & Arber, 2018) advocates for transparent methodologies, documenting the researcher's involvement and decision-making processes, thereby bolstering the study's validity and reliability. Engaging with contrasting narratives and perspectives ensures a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Lastly, the paper meticulously considers ethical aspects, particularly in ensuring that the researcher's identity does not unduly influence participant responses or data interpretation, thus preserving the authenticity and integrity of the research findings.