Abstract
As our identity both enables and constrains our relations with others it is a central feature in any kind of participatory research. Therefore the researchers’ identities can be seen as participatory methods that enable certain types of data gathering. To support a research that contains a plurality of perspectives and methods a diversity of identity positions are needed. In this position paper I therefore sketch a map for researchers’ and participants’ positions in relation to different ontologies and epistemologies. This map can be a useful tool for navigating identities, understanding uncomfortable differences and developing strong research collaborations. The various positions on the map illustrate the diversity of perspectives that are required to describe a complexand flexible social reality. To move across the entire surface of overlapping research paradigms can be away to formulate conflictual, uncomfortable, dynamic and creative research collaborations.