The Reflexive Insider-Outsider Researcher: A Falcon Observes its Reflection on a Clear Lake

The interpretive paradigm posits that social reality is constructed by individuals and embedded within their social contexts, requiring researchers to interpret this reality through processes of analysis and sense-making. In qualitative research, where subjectivity is embraced rather than avoided, reflexivity—the practice of critically examining how the researcher’s subjectivity and context influence the research process—becomes indispensable. Despite its importance, reflexivity is frequently addressed superficially in the literature, leaving novice researchers grappling with its application. This gap is particularly pronounced in insider-outsider research, where the researcher’s dual positionality layers of complexity to the reflexive process. This paper explores the practical application of reflexivity in insider-outsider research, drawing on my experiences as a Saudi female researcher examining the professional identities of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instructors in remote Saudi universities. I reflect on my reflexive practices, focusing on two key strategies that enhanced my research: journaling and emotional reflexivity.