The Role of Positionality in Enhancing Trustworthiness: A Methodological Framework for Qualitative Researchers

Positionality significantly influences the quality and trustworthiness of qualitative research by shaping how researchers engage with participants, collect data, and interpret findings. Despite its importance, many researchers struggle to integrate positionality into their methodological frameworks, particularly when working across diverse cultural or social contexts. This article proposes a methodological framework to address these challenges by systematically incorporating self-reflection, bias identification, transparency, and continuous adaptation throughout the research process. Reflexive tools, such as journaling, peer debriefing, and structured documentation, are emphasized as practical strategies to navigate positional influences and strengthen research rigor. While positionality awareness enhances trustworthiness components like credibility, confirmability, and transferability, challenges persist in balancing personal disclosure with professional boundaries and managing power dynamics in researcher-participant relationships. Recommendations include fostering reflexivity through collaborative practices, leveraging digital tools for systematic documentation, and ensuring ongoing evaluation of positional impacts. By integrating this framework, qualitative researchers can produce more equitable, transparent, and impactful research while addressing the complexities of diverse research settings. Therefore, this paper aims to provide a structured approach to enhancing trustworthiness through positionality, offering practical insights for qualitative researchers in advancing ethical and credible research practices.