How do you develop your reflexivity and critical thinking skills in constructivist and pragmatic research?

Reflexivity in research involves a continual process of self-examination and critical awareness of the researcher's biases, assumptions, and positionality within the research context. It requires an ongoing interrogation of one's own perspectives and engagement with alternative viewpoints to enhance the rigor and integrity of the research process. By fostering reflexivity, researchers can navigate complexities, acknowledge inherent subjectivities, and produce more nuanced and insightful interpretations of their findings.

?Importance: Reflexivity involves acknowledging and critically examining the researcher's influence on the research process. ?Application: Actively reflect on personal biases, assumptions, and values. Documenting reflexive insights helps maintain transparency in research.

Reflexivity in research refers to the process whereby Reflexivity in research help the researchers in recognizing, examining, and understanding how their own social background, assumptions, experiences, influences their research processes and possible outcomes.

In my opinion, critical thinking is or should be closely related to the "big picture" because it refers to exactly to analyzing information and evaluating its relevance to a broader context. When I think critically, I do not just focus on a specific issue but at the same time I consider its broader implications and especially the context in which it occurs. I am a political scientist, so the context is of high importance in my field of expertise. It is obvious for me that the critical thinking involves the broader context in any kind of research especially in social sciences.

Critical thinking in research entails the systematic evaluation of evidence, arguments, and assumptions to make reasoned judgments and draw valid conclusions. It involves questioning assumptions, considering alternative explanations, and rigorously analyzing data to ensure the reliability and validity of research findings. By applying critical thinking skills, researchers can identify biases, recognize limitations, and generate innovative insights that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields.

?Importance: Critical thinking is the objective analysis and evaluation of information to form reasoned judgments. ?Application: Scrutinize data, methodologies, and interpretations. Question assumptions, consider alternative perspectives, and assess the reliability and validity of information.

In every trustworthy research project, researchers bring an innate worldview to the work based on their personal values and prior life experiences. Researchers need to be aware of their worldview and articulate it transparently because knowing this information can help readers understand why researchers made certain decisions in their studies. It is possible to have mixed worldviews. For example, it is possible to be a constructivist with a pragmatist streak.

Constructivism emphasizes the subjective nature of knowledge construction, asserting that understanding is shaped by individuals' experiences, interactions, and interpretations. Reflexivity, inherent to constructivist approaches, involves researchers critically examining their own biases, assumptions, and perspectives throughout the research process. It underscores the importance of acknowledging and reflecting on the researcher's role in shaping knowledge, thereby enhancing the rigor and depth of research inquiries.

?Connection: Constructivism emphasizes the active role of individuals in knowledge construction. ?Application: Recognize that research findings are influenced by personal perspectives. Reflexivity aligns with the constructivist notion that knowledge is subjective and context-dependent.

?Connection: Pragmatism values practical outcomes and solutions. ?Application: Apply critical thinking to evaluate the practical implications of research choices. Pragmatism encourages adaptive and flexible thinking to achieve research goals.

Pragmatism advocates for the practical consequences and utility of ideas, emphasizing their effectiveness in addressing real-world problems. Critical thinking within a pragmatic framework involves evaluating the relevance and efficacy of concepts and actions in achieving desired outcomes. It encourages a flexible and adaptive approach, where ideas are continuously tested and refined based on empirical evidence and practical results.

In mixed methods research, the researcher needs to be aware of their own biases towards a specific method. In my work, I have found that every researcher has a method biases and those biases can influence the weight that is placed on one method over the other.

Reflexivity in mixed methods research involves researchers acknowledging and interrogating their biases and perspectives across quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. Critical thinking is essential for synthesizing diverse data sources, recognizing potential contradictions, and ensuring the coherence and validity of findings. Together, reflexivity and critical thinking enhance the comprehensiveness and credibility of mixed methods research by promoting self-awareness and analytical rigor.

Developing your skills in constructivist and pragmatic research involves practicing thinking about your own thoughts and beliefs. This means paying attention to why you think the way you do and asking questions about it. Talk to different people and listen to what they think. Try to understand their ideas even if they're different from yours. Also, keep practicing writing down your thoughts and reflections. By doing these things regularly, you can get better at understanding different viewpoints and making your research stronger.

A critical part of developing your skills in reflexivity is to make time to examine your own thoughts, views, and observations. I've found it useful to journal what I am observing and experiencing as a researcher because when you put this down on paper it allows you to be more critical about your own thinking. Another critical element I have found is having a research partner, who can review your journaling to offer feedback. This helps to make sure that we don't get trapped in our own echo chamber.

?Seek Feedback: Engage with peers and mentors to gain external perspectives and challenge your assumptions. ?Diverse Exposure: Explore literature and methodologies from various disciplines to broaden your critical thinking toolkit.Training and ?Workshops: Participate in workshops or training sessions focused on reflexivity and critical thinking in research.