‘Doing research’: een plaats zoeken in het onderzoeksveld

Doing research: positioning in the field Many methodological handbooks contain detailed descriptions of conducting research. However, these handbooks often report little about the challenges that can arise when conducting research in practice and possible obstacles early-stage researchers can encounter. This contribution discusses how the researcher, starting with her empirical doctoral research in criminology, sought her place in the criminological research field. The emphasis is on the researcher’s own experience and the learning process she went through while observing in the youth court. Particular attention is given to the position and role of the researcher during the observations, the obtaining of informed consent of the participating actors, and the difficulties that arose regarding the principle of informed consent. Also the position of the researcher in the field is addressed, in relation to the professional actors, and the question of emotions during the field work. The contribution ends with a reflection on the difficulties encountered in conducting ‘research in practice’ and the lessons to be learned for future research.