What is Bracketing in Qualitative Research? Definition, Process and Examples

What is Bracketing in Qualitative Research?

Bracketing is a methodological approach in qualitative research aimed at acknowledging and managing the biases, preconceptions, and assumptions of researchers during the data collection and analysis process. The term “bracketing” originates from the idea of setting aside or suspending one’s preconceived notions to better understand and interpret the participants’ perspectives.

In the context of qualitative research, researchers often bring their own experiences, beliefs, and biases into the study, potentially influencing the interpretation of data. Bracketing involves a conscious effort to identify and acknowledge these personal biases, allowing researchers to approach the data with greater openness and impartiality. By acknowledging and setting aside preconceived notions, researchers can enhance the rigor and credibility of their qualitative findings.

Practically, bracketing involves a pre-study reflection where researchers critically examine their own assumptions and biases. This self-awareness process allows researchers to navigate their own perspectives, ensuring they do not unduly influence the interpretation of participants’ experiences. Through this method, researchers can maintain a more transparent and reflexive stance, contributing to the overall rigor and validity of qualitative research findings.

Key Components of Bracketing in Qualitative Studies

Bracketing is a comprehensive process that involves self-reflection, documentation of assumptions, suspension of judgment, and continuous reflexivity. 

The below key components collectively help researchers manage and mitigate the influence of their personal biases, fostering a more objective and robust qualitative research approach.

1. Self-Reflection:

Bracketing begins with a thorough self-reflection by researchers before engaging in data collection. This involves identifying and acknowledging personal biases, assumptions, and preconceptions that may impact the interpretation of the qualitative data. Researchers must reflect on their own experiences, beliefs, and perspectives that might influence the study.

2. Documentation of Assumptions:

Researchers should document their identified biases and assumptions explicitly. This documentation serves as a reference point throughout the study, helping researchers remain aware of their preconceived notions. By articulating these assumptions, researchers create a foundation for transparency and reflexivity in the research process.

3. Suspension of Judgment: 

Bracketing involves a commitment to suspend judgment during data collection and analysis. This means setting aside preconceived ideas to allow for a more open and unbiased exploration of participants’ perspectives. 

Researchers strive to approach the data with fresh eyes, minimizing the impact of their own viewpoints on the interpretation of qualitative findings.

4. Continuous Reflexivity: 

Bracketing is not a one-time exercise but an ongoing process. Researchers continuously revisit and reassess their assumptions as they engage with the data. 

This dynamic reflexivity ensures that any emerging biases or shifts in perspective are recognized and addressed throughout the research journey, contributing to the overall credibility and rigor of the qualitative study.

Bracketing Process in Qualitative Research: Explained

The bracketing process in qualitative research can be explained in a step-by-step manner as following: 

Step 1. Self-Reflection:

Researchers engage in introspection to recognize and acknowledge their own biases, preconceptions, and personal perspectives.

This reflective process sets the stage for increased self-awareness as researchers prepare to immerse themselves in the qualitative study.

Step 2. Documentation of Assumptions:

Identified biases are explicitly documented, creating a transparent record of the researchers’ preconceived notions.

This documentation serves as a reference point, enabling researchers to consciously navigate and manage their assumptions throughout the research process.

Step 3. Suspension of Judgment:

Researchers commit to temporarily setting aside their pre-existing beliefs and opinions during data collection and analysis.

This commitment allows for a more open and objective exploration of participants’ experiences without undue influence from the researchers’ perspectives.

Step 4. Continuous Reflexivity:

Ongoing reflection and reassessment of personal biases occur throughout the research journey.

Researchers adapt their understanding as they engage with the data, ensuring that emerging insights are considered in light of their evolving self-awareness, promoting a dynamic and reflexive approach.

Examples of Bracketing in Qualitative Research

Key Best Practices for Bracketing when Conducting Qualitative Research

1. Early and Explicit Reflection:
   • Begin the bracketing process at the outset of the research, engaging in a thorough self-reflection to identify and acknowledge personal biases.
   • Explicitly document these reflections to establish a clear understanding of the researcher’s initial perspectives.
2. Transparent Documentation:
   • Document assumptions and biases transparently, providing a comprehensive record that can be revisited and shared with others.
   • Transparency in documentation enhances the credibility of the research and allows for a clear audit trail of the bracketing process.
3. Regular Reflexivity:
   • Engage in continuous reflexivity throughout the research journey, regularly revisiting and reassessing personal biases.
   • This ongoing process ensures that researchers remain vigilant and responsive to potential shifts in perspective during data collection and analysis.
4. Team Collaboration:
   • If applicable, involve multiple researchers in the bracketing process to bring diverse perspectives to light.
   • Collaborative discussions can help uncover biases that may be overlooked by an individual researcher, contributing to a more comprehensive bracketing effort.
5. Integration with Analysis:
   • Integrate bracketing into the data analysis phase, considering personal biases while interpreting findings.
   • This integration helps researchers maintain a balanced and nuanced understanding of the data, minimizing the impact of preconceived notions on the analysis.
6. Reflexive Journaling:
   • Encourage researchers to keep reflexive journals, where they document evolving insights, challenges, and reflections during the research process.
   • Journaling supports continuous reflexivity and provides a valuable resource for validating the study’s rigor.
7. Peer Review:
   • Implement peer review mechanisms to allow colleagues to critically examine and provide feedback on the bracketing process.
   • External perspectives can enhance the robustness of bracketing efforts and contribute to the overall trustworthiness of the qualitative study.
8. Ethical Considerations:
   • Consider the ethical implications of personal biases, ensuring that the bracketing process aligns with ethical standards.
   • Transparently communicate how bracketing has been conducted in the research, addressing any potential biases that may have influenced the study.

By adhering to these best practices, researchers can effectively implement bracketing in qualitative research, enhancing the validity and reliability of their findings.