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In:Ethnographies of Academic Writing Research: Theory, methods, and interpretation
Edited by Ignacio Guillén-Galve and Ana Bocanegra-Valle
[Research Methods in Applied Linguistics 1] 2021
► pp. 105–124

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Chapter 6
Walking on thin ice

Reflexivity in doing ethnography

 | Chalmers University of Technology
 | Birkbeck, University of London
Published online: 26 October 2021
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/rmal.1.06khu
Abstract
Researcher reflexivity is important throughout the research process, especially in ethnographic enquiry. This chapter provides a reflexive account of our research experiences with exiled Syrian academics, whose efforts to re-establish their academic careers in their new contexts and publish in English as an Additional Language we have been following for more than two years. Data are taken from a longitudinal multiple-case study using ethnography as deep theorizing (Lillis, 2008). In this chapter we provide a reflexive account of five research methodological aspects: participant recruitment, conducting and analysing interviews, Text Histories, textual representation, and ethics in collaborative ethnography. We discuss how aspects of the researcher’s experience and position interact with the research process.
Article outline
  • Introduction
  • Researcher reflexivity: Degrees and types
  • Overview of the research project
  • Reflections on methodological decisions in the research process
    • Participant recruitment
    • Conducting and analysing interviews
    • Text Histories (THs)
    • Textual representation
    • Ethics in collaborative ethnography
  • Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • Note
  • References
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