Recursivity

Recursivity refers to the cyclical nature of qualitative research where all procedures can be undertaken repeatedly until a specified condition is met. For example, in a qualitative study, data are collected and then analyzed. Based on the results of this analysis, the researcher might decide to collect data from a new source. If this decision is made, the researcher collects data from the new source and then conducts a type of analysis. The process of collecting and then analyzing the data continues until saturation is reached—that is, until no new or relevant information data emerge. This repeated cyclical process is recursivity. As such, recursivity refers to nonlinearity of the qualitative research process, reflecting a nonstatic research design. Moreover, recursivity indicates an emergent research process in which the design and procedures unfold as the study proceeds. Recursivity represents a dynamic process of inquiry, yet at the same time it reflects a process that is methodical, logical, and cumulative.

Another example of recursivity in qualitative research is when the researcher considers the research focus and then analyzes the data; subsequently, the researcher might go back to the research focus, reflect on the data collected, and consider the possibility of reformulating the research focus based on the data collected. The research focus might or might not change based on the collected and analyzed data. Either way, the qualitative researcher then takes the original or new research focus and collects further data. In addition, recursivity helps the qualitative researcher to return to the sample as needed and to loop back and forth between data collection and analysis in a carefully constructed and documented manner so that others (e.g., researchers, peer debriefers whose goal is to legitimate the interpretations and conclusions made) can examine or replicate the path or audit trail left.

These are only a few examples of recursivity; there are many instances of recursivity in qualitative research. The recursive nature of qualitative research creates a basis for results to emerge from the data. Therefore, new decisions can be made throughout a study. The process of recursivity allows the researcher to look at the collected information in a holistic manner, moving from an inductive mode of inquiry to a deductive mode of inquiry and then back to an inductive mode of inquiry. This movement from inductive to deductive reasoning and then back to inductive reasoning allows the researcher to be open to unexpected results. Therefore, the researcher is open to the potential of building new constructs and integrating them within the existing results, creating linkages among results, and developing explanations for conclusions found within a study.