Evans, AB, Nistrup, A, Henderson, H, Allen-Collinson, J and Siriwardena, N (2018), Reflexivity in qualitative research: Two figurational studies. SAGE Online Qualitative Case Studies. SAGE Research Methods Cases Part 2. London: Sage. (original) (raw)

There has been something of a ‘reflexive shift’ in sociological research. Sociological researchers are increasingly encouraged to be ‘present’ within their work, and to recognize their own role in structuring the entire research process. One way to achieve this is through engagement in reflexive practice; that is, to reflect on our own values, beliefs and biographies. It can be difficult to know exactly how a researcher should engage in these practices, however. Here we discuss our reflexive practice in two case studies, both which utilized the same figurational theoretical framework and collected interview data from staff involved in the provision of physical activity for health. Study one focused upon provision of Physical Activity to older adults in Copenhagen’s ‘Activity Centres,’ whilst study two investigated the delivery of Exercise Referral Schemes in a case-study county in the United Kingdom. Reflexive practice in both studies was affected by researcher biographies and by study design. In study one, both researchers were reasonably detached from the study context, the theoretical framework was in place from the very beginning, and reflexive practice was embedded in the study design. In study two, changes in study goals meant that retrospective reflexive practice was necessary, whilst the principal researcher had an established relationship with participants in the study which made reflection on her perspective vital. We conclude by highlighting the importance of methodological and theoretical consistency in reflexive practice, which must also be attuned the particular needs of a study and perspective of a researcher.

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