I seek to do a study on the mental state of caretakers of patients suffering from chronic illness. I have been a caretaker myself for quite a long time now. However, being a researcher I was skeptical about whether I can be a participant in the study or not.
Of course, you can explore these experiences with the ethnography method. But for threats to credibility, some strategies should be used with carefully.
This is of course possible, but the methodology must be very explicit and detail the position of the researcher in the process of participant observation or observer participation according to the context of the research.
Dear @Sakshi Mehla In my view, your combination of being a researcher and actually knowing what the experience of being a carer is like, is unique. I note your scepticism, which is a good starting point, as it will keep you on your toes re: doing great research. Whether or not you use yourself as a direct source of information, is your call. You might also want to use your experiences as background information on the particular population. A great article on the pro's and con's of having an insider position is:
Berger (2015): Now I see it, now I don't: Researcher's position and reflexivity in qualitative research
Best of luck with your studies.
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