The problem of unconsciousness in qualitative research

Abstract

Abstract Although reflexivity is critical to the practice of qualitative research, the problem of unconsciousness seems to stand in its way. If aspects of lived experience are unconscious to an engaged participant, then how can one become reflexive? This paradox, and the problems it poses for qualitative research, are discussed. Varying conceptualisations of unconsciousness are presented. Unconsciousness can be understood as revealed through language, as primarily non-verbal, or as ultimately irrelevant to human experience. In addition, the source of unconscious material can be conceptualised as internal and subjective, or as contextual and direcdy observable. From these assumptions follow diverse approaches to qualitative research. If unconsciousness is structured via language, then research must focus on the words through which participants describe their experience. If, however, unconsciousness is distinct from language, then qualitative methods must incorporate non-verbal data. The presumed locus of u...