ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION During the course of writing this book I have made a number of presentations at various seminars and conferences. This has provided me with valuable feedback on whether the virtues identified in the book resonate with other academics. It has enabled me to “reflect,” as a result of which I have made a number of modifications during the course of writing. This has resulted in the addition of new chapters, the refinement of others and the further development of the virtues and vices. One of the comments I have received is that the virtue of “reflexivity” might be better placed at the beginning of the research cycle. It should, in other words, precede all the others. Clearly for those with previous experience of the research process this ought, ideally, to be the case since they would have matters on which to reflect. For new or inexperienced researchers, it may occur more naturally at a later point although, ideally, a researcher should be reflecting on their work on a continuous basis.
