The sociologist Mitch Duneler's concern about altering behavior of people he studied due to his presence and his reflection on his role as a researcher is known as reflexivity in sociology. Reflexivity is the concept where researchers acknowledge and consider how their presence, background, and actions might influence the subjects they are studying. It involves being self-aware of one's own biases, assumptions, and impact on the research process.
In Duneler's case, his reflexivity led him to critically examine his interactions with the street vendors in Greenwich Village, considering how his presence might affect their behavior and the data he collected. By being reflexive, researchers like Duneler aim to enhance the transparency and validity of their research by recognizing and addressing the potential influences of their own perspectives.
Overall, reflexivity plays a crucial role in qualitative research, encouraging researchers to reflect on their positionality, assumptions, and the dynamics of power and influence within their studies. It helps maintain ethical standards, improve the quality of research, and deepen the understanding of the researched phenomena.
