Incorporating Perspective Taking in Reflexivity

Abstract

A growing literature has discussed multiple complexities of various researcher stances and the place of reflexivity in qualitative research. This article contributes to the literature by illuminating the importance and illustrating ways of incorporating perspective taking in insider processes of reflexivity. Specifically, this article dissects an insider-researcher’s attempt to resolve research uncertainties by considering the perspective of an outsider-researcher, who had conducted similar study at the same school. Through incorporating processes of perspective taking in reflexivity, the insider-researcher uncovered complexities and ethical quandaries that may have had an impact on her study. Subsequently, the article provides lucid accounts of perspective taking as a method to enhance qualitative research processes, namely, to help resolve methodological uncertainties and to portray a richer and nuanced inquiry picture.