‘Critical Friends’, Feminism and Integrity: A reflection on the use of critical friends as a research tool to support researcher integrity and reflexivity in qualitative research studies

Abstract

A recent study of social workers’ understandings of integrity (Appleton, 2010) gathered the reflections and voices of women social workers in relation to perceptions, appreciation and application of the notion of integrity to their work and lives. As the sole researcher the author, a qualified and registered social worker, was aware she identified as an ‘insider’, thus sharing an understanding of the social work profession, its values, Codes of Conduct, and Code of Ethics. Rooney (2005) argues that insider researchers have the potential to increase the validity of the research due to added richness, honesty, fidelity and authenticity of the information acquired. There are advantages in studying the familiar: easier development of rapport; higher acceptance levels enabling smoother cooperation and higher comfort levels (Padgett, 2008, p.20). There are also potential issues of power and authority therefore it is vital to ensure researcher integrity in a project. Employment of ‘critical friends’ as a research tool aligns with feminist principles. This tool offers support and critique throughout the research journey. It contributes to the maintenance of the researchers’ professional and personal integrity. This article considers the role of critical friends in relation to a qualitative research project and explores how using this tool influenced and supported researcher integrity.