Forest For The Trees: Let's Talk "Reflexivity"
Hello Curious Learner,
Have you practiced “reflexivity” in your qualitative work? If not, it is my pleasure to introduce you to this strategy… hang tight, though, because it may not be a simple one to grasp!
Reflexivity is a word we often come across when reading about rigour in qualitative research. To me, reflexivity is a dynamic process in which the qualitative researcher (no matter how experienced) uses various strategies to take a step back from the data, and examine her/his role as a researcher, individual, professional, citizen, etc. as he/she is going through the research process.
This is where the expression “You can’t see the forest for the trees” comes in. When we become too close to our data and participants (i.e., the trees) and analyze them based on our personal experiences, we risk losing our ability to see deeper meanings and the research as a whole (i.e., the forest). So, by debriefing with a trusted colleague, seeking a professional counselor/therapist (if you think this is too much, have fun watching Brené Brown’s TEDx Talk) and journaling, we can become more aware of how we are interacting with, and shaping our research.
When I learned about reflexivity and started practicing it during my PhD research, I began to consistently engage with trusted colleagues to critically discuss my data collection and analysis. They challenged me to change my perspective when needed, to zoom in and out of the data, and to confront my initial interpretations (when I was seeing a few trees and thinking I had a good picture of the whole forest). This is how reflexivity allowed me to learn and mature as a researcher.
Although sometimes reflexivity felt like experiencing growing pains, I do think my research was stronger and more valid because of it. The take-home message here: Find ways to practice reflexivity during your qualitative research, and allow them to enrich both your research and life. Maybe reflexivity does not seem like your thing, but trust me when I say this, your research will be better and more meaningful when you embrace reflexivity as part of doing rigorous qualitative research.
Talk soon,
Maira
