The Case Study of Sherlock Holmes (2009) - Scholarly Commons ...

Reflexivity
Reflexivity is essential to the validity of my research and outcome. Due to my work
relying heavily on ethnography and the balance between participant and observer,
“reflexivity on the part of the researcher [will] assist in identifying the contingencies
that produced [my] portrayal of it, so [I] should claim no more for the account than what
it is, a partial, selective and personal version” (Brewer, 2000, p. 44). In considering my
thick description field notes, I will incorporate analytical reflexivity into the analysis of
my interpretations:
Analytical reflexivity requires yet more difficult reflection. In this sense
ethnographers should ask themselves questions about the theoretical framework
and methodology they are working within, the broader values, commitments and
preconceptions they bring to their work, [and] the ontological assumptions they
have about the nature of society and social reality. (Brewer, 2000, p. 131)
Brewer (2000) establishes loose categories of elements which may bear a bias or
influence on the work, suggesting a researcher examines their “broader values,
commitment and preconceptions . . . [and] the ontological assumptions [that they may
have] towards the nature of society and social reality” (p. 131). In order to cover the
various products and their defined groups I adapted Brewer‟s categories to incorporate
both of my ethnographic positions of participant and observer. I therefore analytically
examine my personal and social values, and my academic commitments as separate
from my fan commitments. This will be followed by similarly separating the analysis of
my academic preconceptions and bias preconceptions, finishing with an analysis into
my descriptive reflexivity, making sure I documented any environmental influence that
may have occurred while I conducted my research. Analytical reflexivity appears to be
a promising reflexive method when applied to fan studies. I find that its attention to the
individual‟s framework could unearth the important moments of my cultivation, and
highlight any instances where my notes are bearing a bias that does not apply. I will
therefore be conducting a reflexive examination at two major points in my study; the
beginning of my findings chapter and after my cultivation analysis, before I construct
the model.
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