Reflexivity and Researcher’s Voice
In qualitative investigation, reflexivity and researcher’s voice are essential components. Reflexivity is commonly portrayed by methodologically taking care of the connection of data development based on the researcher’s effect in the process of completing an investigation (RECOUP, 2008). Reflexivity in a qualitative research is displayed by positional and written reflexivity. Reflexivity engages a researcher to take into account aspects of personal examination (RECOUP, 2008). This is vital since human beings are prone to partiality and therefore calls for honesty and frankness in the research practice and process. This will automatically qualify the data used in research process. During the interview stage for instance, the researchers should be careful and watch everything without being impartial. Researchers are called upon to be able to handle human emotions and experiences by avoiding self-indulgence.
Research voice is very imperative in qualitative research. This is because researches are conducted by individuals or groups who make resolutions and choices during or after the research process (Mazzei & Jackson, 2008). As such, researcher’s voice in the reports at times gets lost thereby making it difficult for readers to recognize it. The researches voice is crucial in making all research concepts understandable.
The researcher should be responsible for the voice limitation in the research process. Audiences use the voice of a research to link with what has been done and presented. Researches voice is normally presented in three positions, imaginary, practical, and interpretive. On top that, research outcomes must replicate the voice of the investigation. In qualitative research, authors must strive to avoid wavering voice all through the research development (Mazzei &Jackson, 2008). This helps in preventing authors extracting different interpretations other than the ones intended by the researcher. This is fundamental in current research investigations where we have diverse culture of audiences in communication (Nagata, 2005).
References
Mazzei, A., & Jackson, L., (2008). Voice in Qualitative inquiry. Routledge.
Nagata, A. L. (2005). Promoting self-reflexivity in intercultural education. Journal of Intercultural Communication, 8, 139-167.
RECOUP, (2008). Reflexivity handout. Retrieved on 07 Aug 2011 from http://manual.recoup.educ.cam.ac.uk/wiki/index.php/Qualitative_research/handout_on_reflexivity. Last updated on 20 Sep 2008