Explain reflexivity in qualitative research

Question 1

Reflexivity is…

Answer 1

• a strategy of critical self-awareness used by qualitative researchers to explain how a researcher’s subjectivity contributes to the findings

Question 2

Reflexivity acknowledges that…

Answer 2

• the researcher may be biased towards the findings because he or she perceives and interprets through his or her own individual lens (subjectivity)

Question 3

Reflexivity is linked to…

Answer 3

• validation of qualitative research

- the researcher as an instrument

Question 4

What is the research dependent on? (1+4)

Answer 4

Factors such as:

• training
• experience
• status
• presentation of the self

Question 5

What should the researcher include in the report?

Answer 5

• information about self and motivations for research

- a “reflexivity” discussion in the final report to help readers come to their own conclusions

Question 6

What should the researcher do before undertaking research?

Answer 6

Often, research will do an interview with a colleague to try and uncover all their views and biases

Question 7

Explain reflexivity in qualitative research

Answer 7

• a strategy used by qualitative researchers to explain how a researcher’s subjectivity contributes to the findings
• the researcher may be biased towards the findings because he or she perceives and interprets through his or her own individual lens (subjectivity)
• validation of qualitative research
• the researcher is an instrument

Factors such as:

• training
• experience
• status
• presentation of the self
• information about self and motivations for reserach