Explain+reflexivity+in+qualitative+research.

Write a summary of pages 350-353 of your textbook, after that write a SAQ of this learning outcome. (you need to be able to define the main concepts and localize key vocabulary)

**Pages 350-353: A Summary.**

 * //Effects of triangulation on the Credibility/Trustworthiness of Qualitative Research.//**

Triangulation, in common terms, is understood as a kind of cross checking the information and conclusions in a research. This, done with the help of multiple procedures or sources that, when both support the research and its aspects gives //corroboration// to the research.

__//Types of triangulation://__


 * __Method Triangulation:__ Involves comparing data that comes from the usage of different methods. It involves both qualitative and quantitative in necessary.
 * __Data Triangulation:__ Involves comparing data that comes from data gathered from other participants and other sources, for example, collected by different qualitative methods. (ex: observations and interviews)
 * __researcher triangulation:__ Involves the use of several observers, interviewers or researchers to check the data collection and interpretation.
 * __Theory Triangulation:__ Involves looking at the data and using different theoretical perspectives.

Many qualitative researchers believe triangulation can be useful in checking findings, as well, they can agree that it provides new light over the same data and can add to credibility if it conforms the conclusions. On the other hand, Hammersley (1992),for example, argues that it cannot be known certainly if an account is true, because there is no independent and completely reliable way to find "truth". The only way of being closer to the truth is, then, to carefully analyse the data and see whether it supports the interpretation.

Triangulation can be a helpful tool to increase trustworthiness in the participants.However, it is also argued that it is not possible to establish predetermined criteria for trustworthiness and credibility, because qualitative research is based on more or less subjective interpretations of the world.

SAQ.
//**Describe** the different types of Triangulation.//

Method Triangulation: involves comparing data that come from the use of different methods. This could involve qualitative and quantitative methods.

Data Triangulation: Comparing data that come from data gathered from other participants or other sources, like different qualitative methods.

Research Triangulation: The use of several observers, interviewers, or researchers to compare and check data collection and interpretation.

Theory Triangulation: involves looking at the Data using different theoretical perspectives.

//**Reflexivity in Qualitative Research.**//

Reflexivity is based on the assumption that it is important that the researcher is aware of his/her own contribution to the construction and meaning of the research process. Reflexivity occurs along the process of research and it may help the researcher to reflect on ways that bias may occur, by acknowledging that his or her beliefs may play a role of the research that is being conducted. This means that is is recommendable for researchers to come forward with their beliefs or backgrounds, so as to comprehend how they may affect the investigation (ex: political views).

__//Types of reflexivity: By Willig (2001)://__


 * 1) //__Personal reflexivity:__// Involves reflecting on the ways i which factors such as researcher´s values, beliefs, experiences, interests and political commitment have influences the research. It also involves thinking about how the research has been affected by the researcher personally and professionally.
 * 2) //__Epistemological Reflexivity:__// Thinking about the ways that knowledge has been generated in the study. There are several ways to do this, for example, adking if the research question has limited what could possibly be found. Questions encourage the researcher to think critically about the knowledge that has been generated as well as the assumptions which underpinned the research process.

SAQ
//**Outline** the differences between personal and epistemological reflexivity.//