Explain the importance of credibility in qualitative research

Question 1

What is credibility? (2)

Answer 1

• evaluation of whether research represents trustworthy interpretation of data
• true picture of phenomenon under investigation

Question 2

What is credibility in qual research the equivalent of? (2)

Answer 2

• internal validity in quantitative research

- focus on whether study measured what it intended to

Question 3

What is credibility linked to? (2+1)

Answer 3

• reflexivity
• participant expectations and researcher bias
• -all info that could affect data collection, analysis, interpretation should be noted

Question 4

Credibility within a study depends on? (6)

Answer 4

• triangulation: alternative ways of doing the same thing
• researcher reflexivity
• cross-checking facts and discrepancies in participant’s account
• peer review
• consulting participants about final interpretations
• researcher leaving “decision trail”

Question 5

Explain the effect of triangulation on the credibility/trustworthiness of qualitative research (3+10)

Answer 5

Explain: detailed account w/ reasons and causes

• evaluation of whether research represents trustworthy interpretation of data
• true picture of phenomenon under investigation

linked to

• reflexivity
• participant expectations and researcher bias
• -all info that could affect data collection, analysis, interpretation should be noted

depends on

• triangulation: alternative ways of doing the same thing
• researcher reflexivity
• cross-checking facts and discrepancies in participant’s account
• peer review
• consulting participants about final interpretations
• researcher leaving “decision trail”