Reflexivity Journal Template

The Qualitative Researcher | A Subthesis Resource

Use this journal to document your reflections throughout the research process. Reflexivity strengthens the trustworthiness and rigor of qualitative inquiry. Print multiple copies or save as PDF.

Researcher Information

Researcher Name: 
Study Title: 
Date Began: 

Journal Entries

Duplicate this entry template as needed throughout your study.

Entry

Date: 
Research Phase: ☐ Design & Planning   ☐ Data Collection   ☐ Data Analysis   ☐ Writing & Reporting   ☐ Other: ___________
What happened today? (Describe the research activity, interaction, or event.)
 
My emotional response: (How did I feel during or after this activity?)
 
Assumptions I noticed: (What assumptions, biases, or expectations surfaced?)
 
How my positionality may be influencing interpretation: (Consider your identity, background, and relationship to the topic and participants.)
 
Methodological decisions made and why: (Document any choices about methods, sampling, analysis, etc.)
 
Questions to explore: (What new questions emerged? What do I need to follow up on?)
 

Entry

Date: 
Research Phase: ☐ Design & Planning   ☐ Data Collection   ☐ Data Analysis   ☐ Writing & Reporting   ☐ Other: ___________
What happened today? (Describe the research activity, interaction, or event.)
 
My emotional response: (How did I feel during or after this activity?)
 
Assumptions I noticed: (What assumptions, biases, or expectations surfaced?)
 
How my positionality may be influencing interpretation: (Consider your identity, background, and relationship to the topic and participants.)
 
Methodological decisions made and why: (Document any choices about methods, sampling, analysis, etc.)
 
Questions to explore: (What new questions emerged? What do I need to follow up on?)
 

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