Peer review process before publication | Research design and methodology

An Academic presentation by Dr. Nancy Agnes, Head, Technical Operations, Pubrica

Group: www.pubrica.com

Email: sales@pubrica.com

Allqualitativeresearchiscontextual;itoccurswithinaspecifictime andplacebetweentwoormorepeople.

If a researcher clearly describes the intersecting contextual relationships between the participants and themselves (reflexivity), it increases the credibility of the findings and deepens our understandingofthework.

The issues surrounding the researchers' reflexivity are many and complex; however, journal publicationspacefordiscussingthemmaybeverylimited.

Therefore the researcher is responsible for succinctly and clearly addressing these issues so the readercanevaluatetheresearch.

Someofthewaysthatresearcherscanaddressreflexivityarediscussed.

INTRODUCTION

Qualitative research is a research me approach that seeks to understand the com humanexperiences,behaviours,andsocialph

One crucial element that distinguishes researchfromotherresearchmethodsisreflex

Reflexivity refers to the researcher's awarene examinationoftheirownrole,biases,andsubjec theresearchprocess.

It recognizes that the researcher is an active shaping the research and that their pe background can influence the interpretation o collectionandfindings.

REFLEXIVITY IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH SERVES SEVERAL

IMPORTANT PURPOSES:

Acknowledging the Researcher's Influence:

Researchersarenotneutralobserversbutactiveparticipantsintheresearchprocess.

They bring their own backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs to the study, which can shape theirperceptionsandinterpretations.

Reflexivity prompts researchers to recognize their biases and subjectivity, enabling them to take a more introspective stance and consider how their perspectives may influence the experimentalresearchprocessandoutcomes.

Enhancing Validity and Credibility:

Reflexivityhelpsensurethetrustworthinessandrigourofqualitativeresearch.

By openly addressing their own positionality, researchers provide transparency about their potentialbiasesandassumptions.

This transparency allows readers and other researchers to critically evaluate the research findings and consider the potential impact of the researcher's perspectives on the interpretationofdata.

Reflexivityaddscredibilitytotheresearchbydemonstratingtheresearcher'scommitmentto transparencyandintellectualhonesty.

Improving Data Collection:

Reflexivityaffectsthedatacollectionprocessinqualitativeresearch.

Reflexiveresearchersaremorelikelytoengageinactivelistening,attentiveobservation,and probingquestioningduringinterviews,focusgroups,orparticipantobservation.

They know how their presence and actions may influence participants' responses and behaviour.

Reflexivity helps researchers adapt their approach, allowing for more nuanced and comprehensivedatacollection.

Shaping Data Analysis:

Reflexivityextendsintothequalitativeresearchdataanalysisphase.

Researchers who engage in reflexive practices are more conscious of their interpretations andpotentialbiaseswhencoding,categorizing,andanalyzingdata.

They critically reflect on how their own assumptions and preconceptions may shape their interpretationofthefindings.

Reflexivity prompts researchers to question their own biases and consider alternative explanationsorinterpretations,ultimatelyenhancingthedepthandrichnessoftheanalysis.

Fostering Ethical Considerations:

Reflexivitysupportsethicalpracticesinqualitativesystematicreviewresearch.

Itencouragesresearcherstoreflectontheirethicalobligationstoparticipantsandconsider potentialpowerimbalances.

By critically examining their role and position, researchers can be more attuned to representation,confidentiality,andparticipantwell-beingissues.

Reflexivity helps ensure that the research process respects the rights and autonomy of participants,leadingtomoreethicalandresponsibleresearchoutcomes.

CONCLUSION:

Inconclusion,reflexivityisanessentialcomponentofqualitativeresearchmethodology.

It recognizes the dynamic relationship between the researcher and the researched and acknowledgestheresearcher'ssubjectivityandinfluence.

By engaging in reflexive practices, researchers enhance their research's validity, credibility, andethicalintegrity.

Reflexivity prompts critical self-reflection, enabling researchers to navigate their biases and assumptions, Pubrica enriching the data collection and analysis process, and ultimately contributingtoamorerobustandnuancedunderstandingoftheresearchedphenomena.