Being a burden: Over-researching and research fatigue

There is an abundance of social science research taking place within universities and elsewhere. This work is usually driven by researchers who typically use participants to create the data that constitutes surveys, interviews, and ethnographic observations. In some circumstances, requests for participation can become voluminous, demanding, and offer little reward for what might be considerable effort. This has led various researchers to note that some people and communities are becoming resistant to research requests. This chapter examines the emerging literature on the related issues of ‘over-researching’ and ‘research fatigue’. Beginning with a reflection on my own introduction to these issues, the chapter attempts to provide an overview of the key points in the literature. This includes some exploration of where and why over-researching and research fatigue occur, and some of the consequences that can flow from refusal. Noting that these things are not exactly new, the chapter then asks what may be done about it.