Considering qualitative data analysis and researcher reflexivity in team-based longitudinal research projects

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Qualitative longitudinal research (QLR) has grown in popularity in recent years. In this article, we consider how qualitative longitudinal researchers work with data in the context of team-based studies, drawing on our own experience working together as part of a larger team on a QLR project. We focus particularly on the concept of reflexivity, arguing that while it has been central to much methodological writing on QLR, it has seemingly less influence on empirical studies and has rarely been considered in relation to team-based research contexts. To do so, we survey methodological literature, review the uptake of methods of analysis in empirical QLR studies, and provide a short reflection drawing on our experiences of working on the long-running longitudinal Life Patterns research programme. We ultimately advocate for an expansion of what is considered ‘data’ in the context of QLR and for increased attention to researcher positionality within a team.