On Brokers, Biases and Leaving the Veranda: Working with Research Brokers in Political Science Based Field Research

In this paper I critically discuss the pros and cons of working with research brokers from a political science perspective. do by sharing my experiences collaborating two types local “fixers” – cultural communal brokers. argue that even if similar approaches risk introducing number broker-induced biases, countermeasures can be taken to mitigate their effect: e.g. continuous triangulation, interviewing “sleepers” asking in-depth questions exclude interviewees who misrepresent themselves. However, researchers must aware multiple also generate methodological ethical challenges need into consideration.