Reflexivity

Owned by Darlene Edgar
Nov 25, 2023
1 min read

Palaganas, E. C., Sanchez, M. C., Molintas, M. P., & Caricativo, R. D. (2017). Reflexivity in qualitative research: A journey of learning. The Qualitative Report, 22(2), 426–438. https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2552&context=tqr

  • Enhancement of Qualitative Research Vigor:

    • Sample rationale, analyst triangulation, specification of problems, careful representation, use of theory, observation, thick theory, reflexivity, negative case analysis, external audits enhance research vigor.

    • Fear that reflexivity may be perceived as unprofessional or intrusive.

  • Concept of Reflexivity:

    • Analytic attention to the researcher's role in qualitative research.

    • Concept and process requiring consciousness and self-awareness.

    • Active involvement in the research process.

    • Researchers part of the society studied, necessitating consideration of subjectivity.

    • Dialogue needed, challenging perspectives and assumptions about the social world and the researcher.

  • Forms of Reflexivity:

    • Personal reflexivity: How researchers' aspirations, politics, social identity, and beliefs shape research.

    • Epistemological reflexivity: Reflecting upon theoretical perspectives.

    • Politics of location: Examining political and social constructions informing research.

    • Feminist approach: Researching from a feminist experiential standpoint.

  • Validity and Subjectivity in Qualitative Research:

    • Validity crucial for rigor in qualitative research.

    • Personal reflexivity acknowledges the impact on researchers.

    • Qualitative research inherently subjective, influenced by values, beliefs, etc.

    • Hermeneutics: Attributing meaning to texts.

    • Reflexivity questions research assumptions.

  • Objective vs. Subjective in Research:

    • Acknowledgment that research cannot be value-free.

    • Critical reflexivity looks at political and social constructions shaping research.

    • Power relations inform the research process.

  • Feminist Reflexivity:

    • Examines power differentials in various research stages.

    • Researcher identifies with women, acknowledges values shaping the process.

    • Emphasizes reciprocity and reflexivity but doesn't necessitate intimacy.

    • Aims for multiple realities and holistic understanding of human experience.

  • Conclusion:

    • Reflexivity is a journey of learning and unlearning.

    • Research is a dialogue that involves conscientization.