Abstract

This paper emphasizes the importance of researcher position and reflexivity for professionals in the ecological and development sciences. We draw on critical discourse analysis (CDA) to analyze a selection of scientific papers written by Namibian Community-based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) professionals and their relationships with public discourse regarding this conservation and development program. These papers mainly show “success” whilst disregarding “failure” of elements in the program that elsewhere are highly criticized (especially trophy hunting and ecotourism). In addition, they seem to disregard questions concerning researchers’ conflicts of interest that bear on the papers’ “objectivity.” We argue that such positions beg more transparency and epistemological accountability. In particular, we propose greater disclosure and reflexivity regarding researcher positioning as an important methodological response for illuminating when and how researchers have an interest in specific outcomes of their research, so as to enhance interpretation of the knowledge produced by such research.

摘要

本文强调了生态与发展科学专业人员的研究员地位和反思性的重要性。我们利用批判性话语分析 (CDA) 来分析纳米比亚社区自然资源管理 (CBNRM) 专业人员撰写的精选科学论文，以及他们与有关该保护和发展计划的公众话语的关系。这些论文主要展示了“成功”，而忽略了该计划中在其他地方受到严厉批评的元素（特别是战利品狩猎和生态旅游）的“失败”。此外，他们似乎忽视了影响论文“客观性”的研究人员利益冲突问题。我们认为，这样的立场需要更多的透明度和认识论责任。尤其，