Portraying Reflexivity in Health Services Research

Area of Science:

• Qualitative Health Research
• Sociology of Science
• Research Methodology

Background:

• Reflexivity is crucial in qualitative health research for maintaining objectivity.
• Existing frameworks for reflexivity can be complex and difficult to apply.
• Sociological theories offer potential for developing more robust reflexivity models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel model for supporting and enhancing reflexivity in qualitative health research.
• To integrate sociological concepts of objectivation with research process stages.
• To provide practical prompts for researchers to challenge their reflexivity.

Main Methods:

• Developed a conceptual model by overlaying Bourdieu's levels of objectivation with Finlay's research stages.
• Utilized a matrix to display the intersections of these two frameworks.
• Employed portraiture as a method to illustrate the model's application.

Main Results:

• The model's matrix provides specific questions and prompts to guide researcher reflexivity.
• Demonstrated how these prompts can productively challenge and facilitate reflexivity.
• Illustrated the practical utility of the model through a case study.

Conclusions:

• The proposed model offers a structured approach to enhance reflexivity in qualitative health research.
• Integrating sociological theory with research stages provides a practical tool for researchers.
• The model facilitates critical self-examination, leading to more rigorous qualitative health studies.