Using Arts-Based Research Exercises to Foster Reflexivity in Qualitative Research

Abstract

Re exivity is a ubiquitous, varied, and, at times, contentious concept in qualitative inquiry that presents challenges as we strive to understand and use the concept in our work. The authors present their collaborative understanding of re exivity using their semester-long research journals, re exivity models, collaborative poetry, and collage exercises as evidence. The article details how using arts-based research exercises in the classroom can facilitate understanding and use of the concept of re exivity.

How the Reflexive Process Was Supported by Arts-Based Activities: A Doctoral Student's Research Journey

“…This study highlights the reflexivity activities, including the products Janet created while completing the analysis and discussion phases of her doctoral metasynthesis. Her reflexive activities (painting, drawing, poetry) led to a deepening of her awareness of patient voices, contexts, temporality, and how they are shaping influences within the studies synthesized (Berger, 2015;Faulkner et al, 2016). The reflexivity activities interrupted the reading required by the metasynthesis methodology.…”

“…Moreover, Finley (2011), argued arts-based activities utilized throughout the research process can take many forms and "make... use of affective experience, senses, and emotions" (p. 444); art shifts the "focus away from the written text" (p. 436). Janet's reflexivity practice included dialogue, text, images, collages, and art-created (Faulkner et al, 2016). Janet sketched with pencil, created visual timelines, composed poems, ink drawings, oil painting on canvas, and soft charcoal drawings on paper in a wide array of colours (Merleau-Ponty, 1945/1962.…”

“…It focused on understanding the mental health and spiritual care of persons living with diabetic foot ulcers. As part of the metasynthesis process, Janet engaged in reflexivity activities to improve the validity of the study (Faulkner et al, 2016;Sandelowski & Barroso, 2003. She also used a reflexive practice to understand the stories she read, particularly to understand the "social, cultural, and institutional narratives within which individuals' experiences are constituted, shaped, expressed and enacted" (Clandinin & Rosiek, 2007, pp.…”

Poetic Transcription in the Sociology Classroom: Developing Empathy, Analytical Skills, Creativity, and Engagement

“…Furthermore, the use of poetry in research gives researchers, their participants, and the audience an opportunity for self-reflection and healing (Eisner 1997; Faulkner et al 2016; Galvin and Prendergast 2016; Kusserow 2008). Poetry has the potential to reach wider audiences (L.…”

Integrating Arts in a Collaborative Research Process: An Arts-Informed Inquiry

“…Through reflexive processes, researchers develop awareness and consistency in their interpersonal engagements and decision making in their research, and find new ways of seeing, thinking, and knowing. Throughout these processes, participants encounter opportunities for self-discovery, self-development, and personal growth (Faulkner et al, 2016;Skukauskaite et al, 2021). By extension, researchers and audiences are similarly able to evolve through reflexivity and investigation of created works.…”