The question I'll try to answer here is; when can we use third person versus first person pronouns in research writing? Contrary to common understanding, the researcher is not always expected to erase themselves or be absent in research writing. Research writers may use both writing styles but should ensure the transition between them is appropriate and clearly signalled. For example, applied in different sections or introduced via a lede, a lead-in sentence or introducing paragraph.
The third person form (collective pronoun terms) is widely accepted as the main style for academic writing. This narrative form is used to present data, facts and findings in a factual and objective style but must not be misused to make exaggerated or unfounded claims. The third person form is highly appropriate for writing the literature review, critique, and analysis. The third person conveys truthfulness and facticity by presenting arguments, data and findings in a balanced objective manner. The construction of objectivity is highly valued and helps to convey and justify the deep trust we place in scientific writing.
While third person narrative is the dominant style in academic writing, the use of first person voice ("I", "my", "we", "our" pronouns) in a research narrative may be appropriate when describing contexts and motivation. As the research writer, you, the author, are at the heart of a research account. You are the person who ties the various threads together, of research design, its conduct, the account of findings.
When and why would you use a first person narrative? A first person perspective is inherently interesting and compelling (when it isn't indulgent), but more importantly, is probably more appropriate for describing the researcher's agency. What is researcher agency? Agency is evident in how the research design is arrived at, what research methods are chosen (and why), in how access is negotiated or gained, in devising protocols and analytical methods etc. Researcher agency is implicit (if not usually acknowledged) in devising, conducting and communicating research findings. It is therefore incredibly valuable for the research author to be reflexive. One way to do this is to draw back the curtain, to employ introspection to reveal the hand of the researcher and comment on the potential for omissions, biases etc. and the messy practical reality of research action.
A final note. The target journal, publication or conference you publish your research in will usually have a house-style or provide guidelines on use of voice in the same way as it does for document template, citation style, number of citations etc.
