Qualitative Validity

Many researchers, particularly those from the hard sciences like mathematics or physics, consider quantitative research, with the ability to determine “statistical significance,” as more rigorous than qualitative research. Qualitative research does not lend itself to such mathematical determination of validity, rather it is highly focused on providing descriptive and/or exploratory results. However, this does not relieve the qualitative researcher from designing studies that are rigorous and high in “trustworthiness,” often the word used to describe validity in a qualitative study. There is no agreed upon set of criteria for ensuring a quality qualitative study, but there are a number of models of quality criteria.

Instructions:

• After reading the assigned articles by Shenton (2004) and Freeman, deMarrais, Preissle, Roulston, and St. Pierre (2007), discuss at least three things a qualitative researcher can consider to increase the validity of a study’s results.
• Give at least one example from one of the qualitative study articles you have found on your own topic of how a claim (reported result) is supported.
  • How does that article report on the validity of the study’s results?
  • Do the authors do a good job of demonstrating validity? If not, what could/should they have done differently?

Post should be at least 300 words. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ postings by Day 7.

Point Value: 3 Points
Weekly Learning Outcome Alignment: 2
Course Learning Outcome Alignment: 1, 2, 5