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Commentary: emphasizing the role of positionality, theory, and ethnographic writing conventions in reflexive texts

Jennifer A. Rode

Human-Computer Interaction2026https://doi.org/10.1080/07370024.2025.2598800article
AJG 1ABDC A
Weight
0.50

Abstract

This commentary provides a critique of Crabtree’s (2025) strong article on best practices for qualitative reviews. Crabtree’s challenging premise covers all aspects of qualitative research, from lab-based qualitative studies to ethnography, which, of course, has many kinds, including ethnomethodological and anthropological ethnography. In this response, I take the liberty of extending the arguments to focus on more anthropological ethnography, especially of the confessional and impressionistic variety. In doing so, I will focus on three areas: 1) Reflexivity, Positionality and Rapport, 2) Structure, Sensitizing Concepts, Including Theory, and 3) Embracing Differing Ethnographic Writing Conventions.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/07370024.2025.2598800

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@article{jennifer2026,
  title        = {{Commentary: emphasizing the role of positionality, theory, and ethnographic writing conventions in reflexive texts}},
  author       = {Jennifer A. Rode},
  journal      = {Human-Computer Interaction},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1080/07370024.2025.2598800},
}

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F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

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