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It is a time honored tradition that researchers view their research as an ongoing journey of observation, reading, exchange of ideas, writing drafts, seeking critique, and experiencing research as experimentation. Thus, the best researcher is always focused upon exploration and discovery towards understanding and insights, of improving upon ideas, actions, and statements, and of critique of one’s work or the future work of research. Because these efforts are an episodic and intermittent process, many researchers do “journaling”. They record ideas, questions, exchanges with others, readings, critique, and other concerns. The journal becomes a supporting tool as you contemplate, decide, act, and reflect.
 * 1)** **Reflective Research Log, including a critique of a qualitative research article from a major research and theory journal**
 * 1) **__What is a research journal?__**

Within the tradition of journaling, there is a strand of efforts that represent a “reflective or critically reflective process”. Thus, the journal also become a forum for self-reflection and self-talk. The quality of research also represents the growing capacity for reflexive considerations of self, goals, activities towards those goals, and desired outcomes. A reflective journal is not just “reporting the ‘facts’… it is one’s engagement in consideration, contemplation, examination, and assessment. This type of journaling is part of a qualitative researcher’s toolkit of activities. Some researchers view it as a “constructivist” or “social constructivist activity”. As noted byCrotty (1998), knowledge is developed and transmitted through interactive human communities. Social institutions do influence individual behavior and thinking through a “complex and social process of enculturation” (p. 79). Individuals in specific social contexts act on community feelings, attitudes, and perceptions through language and other symbolic forms. Thus, we view a phenomenon through cultural beliefs and models. Often as practitioners, we do not recognize that we are operating with these tacit beliefs. However, when one is involved in conducted qualitative research, these tacit beliefs can significant influence and shade our understanding, our actions, and our judgments. Although no researcher can be neutral, as qualitative researchers, we need to be cognizant of these tacit beliefs. Thus, this journal helps the researcher to both co-construct understandings towards research goals and forms, as well as to critique one’s own beliefs and communities of practice which may bias the researcher in his/her insights and understandings. Thus, the journal can aid the researcher in becoming self-reflexive and to interrogate one’s own understandings and beliefs about knowledge, research, and the research process.
 * 1) **__What is reflective research journal?__**


 * 1) **__Towards Developing Your Research Competence In Qualitative Investigations__**

Qualitative research is based upon the researcher as the “tool” of investigation. Thus, the researcher needs to develop reflective capacities to be thoughtfully and aware of one’s own epistemological beliefs, key assumptions, biases, and key values in entering and shaping the research process. Further, the researcher needs to be ‘reflexive’—of reflecting upon oneself and one’s thoughts and actions. The reflective research journal is one tool to aid novice and expert researchers in their work with qualitative research. Often in discussion of trustworthiness and veracity (forms of credibility and viability of qualitative research), the research journal is noted as one part of a process of elements to keep the researcher “honest” and “forthright”.


 * 1) **__ Assignment for the Course: __**

 You will be responsible for creating/ designing a reflective research log. This log can be: a) hardback bound log (often used in the science community), b) a three-ring binder where you can add printed statements, or c) an electronic journal log. You will be responsible for entries into the log at least **__three times a week__** during the semester. Your reflective journal will have the following four section sub-dividers:

 **Resources to understand a reflective research journal:**  Please read Ortlipp and Etherington as a starting place to further explore the “self- as –researcher” in qualitative research inquiry. [ posted on Moodle]

The journal can be a 1) hardbound log ( similar to scientific journals) with subsection dividers, 2) three ring binder – with subsection dividers, or 3) electronic folder with files – separated by sections. When you submit this information for my review, I do not wish to invade your private confidential thinking… So, please determine how to direct me to select sections – to view your reflexive discussions. 1) Hardbound log - I would suggest you use post it notes designated selected sections for me to review. 2) Three-ring binder - Again, I would suggest you use post it notes designating selected sections for me to review 3) Electronic statements - You can identify dates and discussions in each of the sections to share with me.
 * __Format for Journal and Class Required Submissions:__**


 * __Submissions to course instructor:__** I will be examining these sections for your reflective engagements, considerations, observations, and critiques. I know the importance of having statements that are “reporting” cites, resources, etc. But, I am going to focus upon your work in considering the **reflexive journey** of qualitative research… as an interactive process between you and the class, the readings, and your own engagements.


 * __Assessment Rubric:__**
 * **Assignment** || **Possible Points** ||
 * Quality of discussion – Reflective, not just descriptive reporting [ one point given for each of three submissions || 3 ||
 * Presentation of reflexive engagement in the research process and in the class presentation [ one point given for each of three submissions. || 3 ||
 * Critique of qualitative research article ||  ||
 * Synthesis || 2 ||
 * Critique || 2 ||
 * Total points || 10 ||