What is reflexivity in qualitative research?

What is reflexivity in qualitative research?

• A. Reflexivity is researchers' ongoing awareness of their own influence on the research process and interpretations; it enhances credibility and transparency.
• B. It is primarily a statistical method to test hypotheses.
• C. Reflexivity is a data analysis technique used to identify outliers.
• D. It refers to pre-registration hypotheses before data collection.

Answer: (A)

Reflexivity in qualitative research means the researcher continually reflects on how their own background, beliefs, and interactions with participants shape every part of the study—from how questions are asked and whom is chosen to participate, to how data are interpreted and presented. This self-awareness helps readers understand how interpretations may be influenced by the researcher’s perspective, increasing credibility and transparency. It is not a statistical test, not a method for finding outliers, and not about pre-registering hypotheses—those practices belong to other approaches, not reflexivity.

Reflexivity in qualitative research means the researcher continually reflects on how their own background, beliefs, and interactions with participants shape every part of the study—from how questions are asked and whom is chosen to participate, to how data are interpreted and presented. This self-awareness helps readers understand how interpretations may be influenced by the researcher’s perspective, increasing credibility and transparency. It is not a statistical test, not a method for finding outliers, and not about pre-registering hypotheses—those practices belong to other approaches, not reflexivity.