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Enhancing Rigor in Qualitative Research

Salimo, Axl Rose P.

Qualitative Research
Researchers want their findings to reflect the truth. In qualitative research, generally they used the methods of enhancing the trustworthiness of the studys data. (Lincoln and Guba, 1985).

Qualitative Research Trustworthiness encompasses

several different dimensions Credibility, Transferability, Confirmability, and Dependability.

DIMENSIONS
Dependability refers to evidence that is consistent and stable. Confirmability is similar to objectivity; it is the degree to which study results are derived from characteristics of participants and the study context, not from researcher biases.

Credibility an especially important aspect of trustworthiness is achieved to the extent that the research methods engender confidence in the truth of the data and in the researchers interpretations of the data. Transferability the extent to which qualitative findings can be transferred to other settings, as another aspect of a studys trustworthiness.

TRIANGULATION
Triangulation in qualitative research might involve trying to understand the full complexity of a poorly understood phenomenon by using multiple means of data collection to converge on the truth.

ASSESSING DATA QUALITY


Qualitative materials are narrative interview data or descriptions from a participant observers field notes. Both researches are concerned with data quality but in qualitative research the data needs to be evaluated if the data is reflecting the true state of human experience.

ASSESSING DATA QUALITY


Gold Standard for qualitative researchers is developed by Lincoln and Guba (1985). TRUSTWORTHINESS
Credibility Dependability Confirmability Transferability

CREDIBILITY
An overriding goal of a qualitative research (Lincoln and Guba, 1985) Synthesis as a validity criterion (Whittemore et al., 2001) Refers to confidence in the truth of the data and interpretation of them.

CREDIBILITY
It involves two aspects: 1. Carrying out the study in a way that enhances the believability of the findings. 2. Taking steps to demonstrate credibility to consumers. The two aspects can be accomplished with the help of two techniques:

Prolonged Engagement and Persistent Observation.

Triangulation
Can enhance credibility. Refers to the use of multiple referents to draw conclusions about what constitutes truth. Its aim is to overcome the intrinsic bias that comes from single- method, single- observer, and single- theory studies

1. Data triangulation
involves the use of multiple data sources for the purpose of validating conclusions.

There are three basic types of data triangulation:

Time Triangulation
which involves collecting data on the same phenomenon or about the same people at different points in time to determine not the changes but the congruence of the phenomenon across time.

Space Triangulation,

involves collecting data on the same phenomenon multiple sites that aims to validate the data by testing for cross- site consistency.

Person triangulation
Involves collecting of data from different levels of persons: individuals, groups and collectives that aims to validate data through different perspectives on the phenomenon.

2. Investigator triangulation
Refers to the use of two or more researchers to analyze and interpret a data set. This reduces biases about the phenomena.

3. Theory triangulation,
Researchers use competing theories or hypotheses in the analysis and interpretation of their data. Theory triangulation can help researchers to rule out rival hypotheses and to prevent premature conceptualizations.

4. Method triangulation
Involves the use of multiple methods of data collection about the same phenomenon. Multiple data collection methods provide an opportunity to evaluate the extent to which an internally consistent picture of the phenomenon emerges.

Analysis Triangulation
Use of two or more analytic techniques to analyze the same set of data. This approach offers another opportunity to validate the meanings inherent in a qualitative data set.

Multiple triangulation
Used when more than one of these types of triangulation is used in the collection and analysis of the same data set.

BIAS
Is an influence that produces a distortion in the study results. Major concern in making the study design , threatens the validity and trustworthiness of the study.

Bias can result from:


1.

Study participants candor 2. Subjectivity of the researcher 3. Sample characteristics 4. Faulty methods of data collection 5. Faulty study design

Random bias, a handful of study participants might fail to provide totally accurate information as a result of extreme fatigue at the time the data were collected. Systematic bias, results when the bias is consistent or uniform.

PEER DEBRIEFING
Peer debriefing involves sessions with peers to review and explore various aspects of the inquiry. It exposes researchers to the searching questions of others who are experienced in either the methods of the phenomenon being studied.

Is there evidence of research bias? Have the researchers been sufficiently reflexive? Do the gathered data adequacy portray the phenomenon? Are there possible errors of interpretation? Are the themes and interpretations knit together into a cogent, useful, and creative conceptualization of the phenomenon?

MEMBER CHECKING
Member checking researchers provide feedback to study participants regarding the merging data and interpretations, and other participants reactions. Researcher credibility

DEPENDABILITY
Refers to the stability of data over time and over conditions. One step to assess: Step wise replication and Inquiry audit.

CONFIRMABILITY
Refers to the objectivity or neutrality of the data, that is, the potential for congruence between two or more independent people about the datas accuracy, relevance or meaning. Audit trail (6)

Audit trail
1. 2. 3. 4. The raw data Data reduction and analysis products Process notes Materials relating to researchers intentions and dispositions 5. Instrument development information 6. Data reconstruction products

TRANSFERABIL ITY to the Refers essentially

generalizability of the data, that is, to the extent to which the findings can be transferred to other settings or groups

Thick description

REPLICATION
Attempts to validate the findings from one study in an independent inquiry, are a crucial form of triangulation. Is essential for the development of nursing science and evidenced based practice.

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