Researchers “position themselves” in a qualitative research study. Creswell and Poth (2018) add that the positionality of the researcher would influence all aspects of the research study. Reflexivity goes beyond “reflection” in that it explores our relationship with others (i.e., research participants and site) (Roulston, 2010).
Therefore, reflexivity aids the researcher in exploring their positionality and understand how it constructs knowledge. Roulston (2010) defined reflexivity in research as “the researcher’s ability to be able to self-consciously refer to him or herself in relation to the production of knowledge about research topics” (p. This positionality can be explored through the use of reflexivity (Swaminathan & Mulvihill, 2018). The subjective nature of qualitative research is recognized by establishing how one’s identity (i.e., gender identity, gender presentation, class, education, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, age, language, culture, etc.) and contextual (i.e., immigration status, etc.) positionality contribute to the construction of the research process and findings. Qualitative researchers often engage in exploring their positionality in reference to a phenomenon and the people experiencing it. What is reflexivity in qualitative research? This post and screencast aims to answer three questions that graduate students may have when first being introduced to reflexivity: (1) What is reflexivity in qualitative research?, (2) Why do we use reflexivity in qualitative research?, and (3) How can I engage in reflexivity in my qualitative research? Next is an introduction to reflexivity in qualitative research, its role, and steps novice researchers can take to begin exploring reflexivity. However, graduate students who are new to qualitative terminology and processes may find the term confusing.
Reflexivity is a term commonly used among qualitative researchers and literature. Luis’ teaching and research are informed by over 10 years of experience as a bilingual (English and Spanish) social worker in mental health and healthcare settings, and by critical and feminist theories. His research focuses on the wellbeing of Latinx, LGBTQ+, and immigrant communities, with a particular attention to the experiences of people living at the intersections of these identities. Candidate at the University of Georgia and a Doctoral Minority Fellow with the Council on Social Work Education.
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