Be(com)ing a reflexive researcher: a developmental approach to research methodology

Mariam Attia & Julian Edge (2017) Be(com)ing a reflexive researcher: a developmental approach to research methodology, Open Review of Educational Research, 4:1, 33-45, DOI: 10.1080/23265507.2017.1300068

"Reflexivity involves a process of on-going mutual shaping between researcher and research." The authors suggest a developmental approach to research, which involves "being/becoming, creative capacity, and socially mediated internal growth." They discuss that their perspective is particularly salient for qualitative research, due to it "demand[ing] an empathic ability to relate to social and psychological realities other than one’s own." Further, research is increasingly cross-cultural, and the authors propose researchers have the capacity to grow from doing such research.

Reflexivity

They highlight two "interacting elements" of reflexivity: prospective and retrospective reflexivities. Prospective reflexivity focuses on the effects of the research on the researcher - the mutual shaping. Retrospective reflexivity focuses on the interpretation of that shaping or growth, the distance travelled.

Reflexivity is accessed through reflection, observation, and interaction with others (e.g., research conversations with colleagues). Reflexivity is defined by conscious self-awareness.

They discuss the concept of "researcher congruence ... [the] fit between the professional principles that we declare and our actual professional behaviour." Such an approach means embracing openness to changing, and "the expression of our personal values, along with the use of our personal skills, in our professional lives and vice versa."

Relationship Elements

Affective elements underpinning reflexive research. She describes this as a process of moving from trust to trustworthiness.



Trust

Building and maintaining trust is essential to qualitative research. A foundation of trust results in more accurate and candid data that lends to "thick description" of phenomenon.

Collaboration

Potential collaborations with participants, which reflects the relationship the researcher has developed with participants.

Corroboration

Participants may corroborate or triangulate data and themes, and act as analysts.

Trustworthiness

Being entrusted with appropriate and ethical use of the data.