Subjectivity in psychological science: From problem to prospect.

• DOI: 10.1037/a0029313
• Publication Date: 2012-07-17T21:14:47Z
• Authors: Brendan Gough; Anna Madill
• Keywords: Reflexivity; Objectivity (philosophy); Psychological research; Psychological science

The problem of subjectivity within psychological research has long been recognized. practices scientific psychology, however, continue to assume that objectivity is desirable, even if not completely possible, and a source bias must be minimized or eliminated. Such dispassionate stance offered continues offer range benefits, least tight focus on participants' relevant responses. Nonetheless, in this article, we question the wisdom always automatically working minimize participant researcher subjectivity, invite researchers consider benefits more, what term, reflexive attitude. We turn particular recent theoretical methodological innovations qualitative order help us progress toward more science where re-viewed as resource can tapped contextualize enrich process its products.