ABSTRACT

The need for researcher reflexivity in qualitative research, especially where data are gathered through interview, is well documented. Studies employing a range of theoretical frameworks and methodologies are similarly affected, with researchers needing to consider specific contextual factors related to the design nuances of each project. This paper focuses on the need for reflexivity, including ethical concerns, in a longitudinal study using narrative inquiry and a Bourdieuian framework. The study included multiple interviews with thirteen students from ‘non-traditional’ backgrounds over a four-year period to examine their experiences of studying at a regional Australian university. Issues around interviewer/interviewee relationships are outlined, along with possible mis/re/interpretations of data. Results demonstrate the critical nature of skilled and ethical interviewing techniques, emphasizing the importance of designing questions which do not pre-empt findings or skew results. Overall, the benefits for both researchers and interviewees of longitudinal studies allowing substantial time lapses facilitating reflexivity between interviews are made evident.

摘要

在定性研究中，特别是在通过访谈收集数据的情况下，需要研究者反思性的需求已得到充分证明。采用一系列理论框架和方法的研究也受到类似的影响，研究人员需要考虑与每个项目的设计细微差别有关的特定背景因素。本文使用叙述性探究和布迪厄主义框架，在纵向研究中着重于反思性的需求，包括伦理问题。这项研究包括在四年的时间里对来自“非传统”背景的十三名学生的多次采访，以考察他们在澳大利亚一所地区大学学习的经历。概述了与访调员/被访者关系有关的问题，以及可能的数据错误/重新/解释。结果证明了熟练和符合道德的面试技巧的关键性，强调了设计不会抢先发现或歪曲结果的问题的重要性。总体而言，对于纵向研究的研究人员和受访者而言，都可以看到大量的时间流逝，从而有利于访谈之间的反思，其好处显而易见。