Subjective Lens: Positionality and Bias

As a scholar, I understand that I am not a neutral observer. I exist in a "Space Between" as both an insider and an outsider.

The Insider: My background in educational leadership and athletics gives me a "shared language" and instant connection with participants. My dedication to social justice makes me sensitive to recognizing systemic exploitation.

The Outsider: I am an outsider because I am now a researcher and an administrator. I must ensure my own experiences or critiques of the NIL system do not influence participants during interviews.

Bias Mitigation: To maintain the rigor of my research, I employ reflexive journaling to accurately represent the athletes' realities rather than my own assumptions.