Application of reflexivity in qualitative research: a vision for enhancing practice

Background: Qualitative research focuses on understanding people’s lived experiences. Although long recognised as important in our profession qualitative approaches are emerging albeit slowly. Qualitative researchers need to be transparent and recognise their own perspectives and biases and how these can influence study design, conduct, data collection, analysis and interpretation. Reflexivity increases the rigour of the research,1,2 however its use is seldom reported in the methods of qualitative medical radiation practice studies.

Methods: Using an exemplar study, this paper provides an evidence-based discussion and synthesis of researcher experiences of integrating reflexivity into qualitative research design. The exemplar study investigated student experiences of professionalism dilemmas. Reflexivity was applied in different ways throughout:

1. team reflexivity prior to study

2. reflection during data collection

3. reflection during data analysis

4. post-study reflexivity.

Discussion: To reach a common understanding of the research problem and design, reflexivity allowed all team members to acknowledge any biases or lenses of their own context through which they were viewing the research question. Team diversity and the collaborative nature of project work can add to the richness and depth of data analyses promoting robust debate around theming and interpretation. This contributes to the rigour and truthfulness of the findings, with the integrity of the research resting on disclosure of differing perspectives of the researchers.

Conclusion: Reflexivity is a valuable aspect of the qualitative research process, increasing rigour through openness of the researchers. It is applicable to qualitative medical radiation practice research and team-based clinical practice, warranting further investigation.