Cited by 76Qualitative Research Methods and EthicsQualitative Research Methods and ApplicationsReflective Practices in Education

Using reflexive thinking to establish rigor in qualitative research

Rettke, Horst, Pretto, Manuela, Spichiger, Elisabeth, Frei, Irena Anna, Spirig, Rebecca·2018·Nursing Research

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Reflexivity can be helpful in developing the methodological rigor necessary to attaining trustworthy qualitative study results. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate strategies of critical reflexive thinking during a qualitative enquiry rooted in a mixed-methods study. METHODS: Guided by the questions of Rolfe and colleagues from 2001 ("what," "so what," and "now what"), we applied reflexive thinking to all aspects of the investigation. RESULTS: Critical reflexive thinking strongly supported our efforts to establish methodological rigor and helped reveal shortcomings. DISCUSSION: Effective strategical use of reflexive thinking takes concerted effort. Both time and space are essential to applying reflexive thinking throughout the qualitative research process.

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Crossref · 10.1097/nnr.0000000000000307

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Authors
Rettke, H., Pretto, M., Spichiger, E., Frei, I. A., & Spirig, R.
Affiliations
  • University of Basel (CH)
  • University Hospital of Basel (CH)
Venue
Nursing Research
Published
2018-11
Volume
67
Issue
6
Pages
490-497
ISSN
  • 0029-6562 (ISSN-L)
  • 1538-9847
OpenAlex
W2886588303
Cited by
73
References
39
Citations by year
2026: 13 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 10 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 1
FWCI
11.92
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Nursing Research (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics
  • Social Sciences › Education › Qualitative Research Methods and Applications
  • Social Sciences › Education › Reflective Practices in Education
Keywords
reflexivity, critical-reflexive thinking, methodological quality, qualitative research, mixed methods, research trustworthiness, research process
MeSH terms
Humans, Research Design, Thinking, Focus Groups, Qualitative Research

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