Reflexivity Across the Research Process: A Metasynthesis and Integration Model of Exemplary Practices

Abstract

Reflexivity holds multiple nuanced, yet largely complementary, definitions depending on disciplinary orientation, yet it is steadily being recognized as a necessary component of trustworthy research and evaluations. There is a rich body of exercises to interrogate positionality, yet the breadth and interdisciplinary nature of this body can be difficult to navigate. Through a metasynthesis approach, we created a live network of 89 citations conceptualized around defined reflexivity practices. Three core concepts emerged from this metasynthesis: (1) strategies to integrate reflexivity in health services research across all stages of the research process, (2) identification of exemplary cases of reflexivity, and (3) scaffolding of practices across the research cycle. Interdisciplinary strategies encompass tools and activities that may produce insights or inform next steps for researchers. We present a model of how reflexivity activities may be integrated across the research cycle. We find that each stage of the research process presents opportunities for researchers to leverage reflexive tools and activities in their teams to produce insights, increase trustworthiness of the research process, or inform next steps. Intentional engagement in reflexivity can help researchers and evaluators more meaningfully acknowledge and respond to their biases and assumptions, which can lead to more meaningful engagement with their subject material, co-researchers, and participants.