Is There Life after Categories? Reflexivity in Qualitative Research

Abstract

The development of categories and domains is an essential step in qualitative research; however, for new practitioners of qualitative research, the development of categories, typologies, or domains sometimes seems to be an end in itself. AbstractThis article encourages occupational therapists conducting qualitative research to use disciplined self-reflection to enrich their studies. Subjective reactions in field situations should not be eliminated or ignored, but examined systematically, leading to new insights and deeper understandings.

Exploring Women's Perspectives of Overcoming Intimate Partner Violence: A Phenomenological Study

“…The researchers planned to review the data analysis with the participants to increase validity through verification of the information and member checking; however, because of the time frame needed for the comprehensive data analysis and the scheduled discharges of the women from the program, the meetings did not transpire. Frank (1997) advocates for the use of reflexivity in order to limit researchers' perspectives that may influence data analysis. A journal was kept by each researcher in which she recorded her emotional responses and opinions concerning the topic under study.…”

Living actively in the face of impending death: constantly adjusting to bodily decline at the end-of-life

“…DM's training as an occupational therapist inclined her to focus on opportunities and minimise distress, restricting early analysis. Initial theme development highlighted the positive; however, this bias was identified through the reflexive journal, observations of the other authors and literature 31. Subsequent analysis was modified to capture both participant struggle and achievement.…”

Split personalities: Role conflict between the nurse and the nurse researcher

“…As a result of this professional socialisation, the researcher had seen the achievements of the participant only, in spite of her disability, and had initially skewed the analysis by missing the struggle, difficulty and complexity of the participant's life in managing her disability. Frank (1997) comments that once the researcher reflected on her professional idealisation of people with disability and her tendency to deny distress, her understanding of the experience of the participant was improved.…”

“…After reading the paper by Frank (1997) I began questioning how I was seeing the data of my own study. Was I analysing participant narrative through the eyes of a researcher or through the eyes of a nurse with a different knowledge base of the healthcare system?…”