title: Reflexivity, critical qualitative research and emancipation: a Foucauldian perspective.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this paper, we consider reflexivity, not only as a concept of qualitative validity, but also as a tool used during the research process to achieve the goals of emancipation that are intrinsic to qualitative research conducted within a critical paradigm.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Research conducted from a critical perspective poses two challenges to researchers: validity of the research must be ensured and the emancipatory aims of the research need to be realized and communicated. The traditional view of reflexivity as a means of ensuring validity in qualitative research limits its potential to inform the research process.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Medline and CINAHL data bases were searched (1998-2008 inclusive) using keywords such as reflexivity, validity, subjectivity, bias, emancipation, empowerment and disability. In addition, the work of Michel Foucault was examined.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using the work of the late French philosopher Michel Foucault, we explore how Foucault's 'technologies of the self' can be employed during critical qualitative research to achieve emancipatory changes. Using research conducted with marginalized populations as an example (specifically, individuals with disabilities), we demonstrate the potential for using reflexivity, in a Foucauldian sense, during the research process.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Shifting the traditional view of reflexivity allows researchers to focus on the subtle changes that comprise emancipation (in a Foucauldian sense). As a result, researchers are better able to see, understand and analyse this process in both the participants and themselves.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. jmcca009@uottawa.ca
authors.forename: Janet L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: McCabe
authors.forename: Dave
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Holmes
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010684:Philosophy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards*