When looking at the quality of qualitative research there are various criteria that can be used as a framework in determining the value of the information or findings that are being interpreted. Due to the obscurity of qualitative studies due to the lack of metrics, it is important to address how researchers determine that the research findings are credible, dependable, transferable and confirmable. For the purpose of this discussion, we will discuss two of the four criteria mentioned above; credibility and dependability.
Parallel to the concept of reliability in qualitiative research designs, the concept of trustworthiness refers to the confidence that the information presented in the study is true (Laureate Education, 2016). It is within this concept that crediability is found. The primary focus of credibility to identify if the findings are acurately reflected by the reality determined by the particpants (Laureate Education, 2016). Simply stated, credibility looks at the question “Does the reseachers statements accurately reflect the study participants’ perceptions?”. Credibility is proven using strategies such as prolonged engagement, persistent observation, peer debriefing, triangulation and member checking (Burkholder, Cox, & Crawford, 2016). Prolonged engagement refers to the time that the researcher took to learn about the culture, build trust with particpants and the testing of misinterpretation due to distortion either by researcher or particpant (Laureate Education, 2016). One way to ensure that prolonged engagtment takes place is to have a well defined research question. Persistant observation refers to the focus of the researcher on aspects that are relevant to the information being studied to ensure that sufficient details are being provided with the findings (Laureate Education, 2016). Triangulation involves looking at the data collected and analyzing using various methods and theories. Peer debriefing and member checks are similar as they require that resarchers engage researchers outside of the project and participants within the project to ensure an acurrate representation is had (Laureate Education, 2016).
Although prolonged engagement is necessary to ensure that the research is creditable, it is vital that the researcher(s) remain professional with their participants . Depending upon the length of the study, it is possible for the researchers and particpants to develop a relationship with each other. However, to avoid bias and misrepresentatio of the research, it is unethical for the researcher and particpant to develop a relationship. The development of such relationships can not only affect the outcome but also poses a red flag in regard to privacy or confidentiality. Researchers instead should consider the level of interaction needed with the participant and the potiental impact (Sanjari, Bahramenzhad, Khoshnava Formani, Shoghi, & Ali Cheraghi, 2014).
Another criteria found within the concept of trustworthiness is dependability. According to Burkholder, Cox, & Crawford (2016), “dependability means that there is evidence of consistency in data collection, analysis and reporting”. (pg. 2233). It is this criteria that asks the questions “Does the research account for instability including methodology changes?” and “Does the researcher document naturally occuring phenomena including stable ones?”. One common ways estabilishing dependability is through inquiry audit or review of the raw data including documentation of process, methodological and reflexive notes and piloting techniques (Laureate Education, 2016). Because qualitative research is amendable to scientific study, meaning that the method or approach can change, documentation of shifts in methodology should be noted and publically accessiable (Burkholder, Cox, & Crawford, 2016).
References
Burkholder, G., Cox, K., & Crawford, L. (2016). The scholar-practitioner’s guide to research design. Baltimore, MD: Laureate Publishing.
Laureate Education. (2016). Trustworthiness. Walden University. Retrieved from https://class.content.laureate.net/505c78a4f4a5dd180a291126ec1f57fb.pdf
Sanjari, M., Bahramenzhad, F., Khoshnava Formani, F., Shoghi, M., & Ali Cheraghi, M. (2014). Ethical challenges of researchers in qualitative studies: the necessity to develop a specific guideline. Journal of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine, 7(14), 1-6. Retrieved from https://eds-b-ebscohost-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=0&sid=fc7a78f0-7146-49b9-a4a6-40dfe6ad3caa%40sessionmgr101