Research practice

Reflexive

Keep the source. Contest the interpretation. Let the researcher decide what leaves.

AI-generated illustrative photograph of a research desk with preserved documents, revised index cards and dark-skinned hands reviewing a card — **Source preserved.** Evidence stays sealed on the left; interpretation stays open on the right. AI-generated illustrative photograph.

Interpretation with a traceable source

Reflexive is a developing research system organized around source preservation, traceable interpretation and researcher-approved release. Its workflow is Plan → Gather → Check → Compare → Review → Export.

The source and the interpretation have different jobs. Keeping them distinguishable makes it possible to ask where a claim came from, compare readings and challenge an interpretation without erasing the underlying record.

The researcher keeps the authority

AI can assist the research process. It does not take over the decision about what an interpretation means or what is ready to leave the workspace. Review and export are part of the work rather than a hidden final step.

Corey's contribution brings research design, instructional clarity, usable workflow structure and human agency into the same system.

Work in development

Reflexive is a research-workflow prototype and part of a Digital Science Catalyst grant application. No grant award or independently validated pilot outcome is asserted.