Encouraging Reflective Practices in Doctoral Students through Research Journals

Qualitative research calls for a high degree of reflexivity (Glesne, 2006; Lichtman, 2010; Maxwell, 2013; Ortlipp, 2008). As the instruments, qualitative researchers need to critically examine their roles in the research process and how their biases and decisions may affect their data. Throughout the research process, researchers need to question their decisions. This ranges from the beginning of the study to sharing the results (Glesne, 2006). Schwandt (2007) describes reflexivity as a way for:... critically inspecting the entire research process including reflecting on the ways in which the fieldworker establishes a social network of informants and participants in a study; and for examining one's personal and theoretical commitments to see how they serve as resources for generating particular data, for behaving in particular ways vis-a-vis respondents and participants, and for developing particular interpretations. (p. 260)This continual critical process of self-evaluation allows researchers to consider the influence their positionality plays in their research. A researcher's positionality influences a study's setting, the participants, the data collected, and how data are interpreted. Researchers consider their prior experiences and assumptions and how they may influence their research (Berger, 2015; Lichtman, 2010). For example, elementary teachers may be more willing to discuss their experiences with a researcher who is a former elementary teacher, making access easier. Prior experiences may also affect the interpretive lens the researcher takes to the data (Berger, 2015). A researcher with their own experiences related to their research topic might interpret data differently than a researcher with no personal connection to the topic.Reflexivity serves as a means to enhance several areas of research studies, including data collection, analysis, and ethics and may help researchers be aware of their biases in their studies (Berger, 2015; Lichtman, 2010). By monitoring their responses to participants, and considering how their research results are presented, researchers can both identify and clarify any possible ramifications of their values, beliefs, or biases. Researchers can use reflexivity to enhance their data collection, by reflecting on certain interview questions that they may either avoid or emphasize, for example. Being aware of their own responses to the data they collect, as they collect it, assists researchers in determining how much their reaction to the data may influence their analysis and interpretation. Engaging in reflexive practices may allow researchers to become aware of their biases and consider if and how they are affecting the way results are presented (Berger, 2015). For example, a researcher writing about workplace bullying may prioritize the victims' experiences over the aggressors' if he or she has been a victim of workplace bullying.Reflexivity also allows researchers to consider the ethics of their work. When the researcher seeks to treat participants fairly and with compassion power issues can be more adequately addressed than if these relationships and stances are not considered (Pillow, 2003). This may also be a way to decrease "Othering," by working with participants as equals rather than positioning oneself as the research in a position of power. Reflecting on the ethics of research relationships may also encourage researchers to consider that while they may conduct the analysis and decide what to include in a final research report, they should note any potential effects this may have on or for their participants (Berger, 2015; Frisina, 2006).Reflexive JournalsReflexive journals serve as a way for researchers to document the methodological decisions they make throughout their studies, track their analysis process, consider their own emotions and the roles they play in the process, document insights, and consider researcher bias (Lincoln & Guba, 1985). …