CHAPTER THREE Methodology continued CHAPTER THREE Objectives Students

CHAPTER THREE Methodology (continued)

CHAPTER THREE Objectives Students will: 1. Evaluate the relevance of reliability and validity of qualitative in research. 2. Evaluate the relevance of ethical considerations in qualitative research.

RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH §Reliability and Validity traditionally used for quantitative research but recent arguments are used to include quantitative research as well. In qualitative paradigms ( of research) the terms Credibility, Neutrality or Confirmability, Consistency or Dependability and Applicability or Transferability are to be the essential criteria for quality (Lincoln & Guba, 1985). To be more specific with the term of reliability in qualitative research, Lincoln and Guba (1985, p. 300) use “dependability”, in qualitative research which closely corresponds to the notion of “reliability” in quantitative research.

RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH Reliability and Validity -This can be used to examine both the process and the product of the research for consistency (Hoepfl, 1997). In the same vein, Clont (1992) and Seale (1999) endorse the concept of dependability with the concept of consistency or reliability in qualitative research. The consistency of data will be achieved when the steps of the research are verified through examination of such items as raw data, data reduction products, and process notes (Campbell, 1996).

RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH To ensure reliability in qualitative research, examination of trustworthiness is crucial. Seale (1999), while establishing good quality studies through reliability and validity in qualitative research, states that the “trustworthiness of a research report lies at the heart of issues conventionally discussed as validity and reliability” (p. 266).

RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH Validity determines whether the research truly measures that which it was intended to measure or how truthful the research results are. In other words, does the research instrument allow you to hit "the bull’s eye" of your research object? Researchers generally determine validity by asking a series of questions, and will often look for the answers in the research of others (Joppe, 2000, p. 1).

RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH Triangulation is typically a strategy (test) for improving the validity and reliability of research or evaluation of findings. Mathison (1988) elaborates this by saying: Triangulation has risen an important methodological issue in naturalistic and qualitative approaches to evaluation [in order to] control bias and establishing valid propositions because traditional scientific techniques are incompatible with this alternate epistemology (p. 13). Patton (2001) advocates the use of triangulation by stating “triangulation strengthens a study by combining methods.

RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH Verifying validity and reliability Verification is the process of checking, confirming, making sure, and being certain. In qualitative research, verification refers to the mechanisms used during the process of research to incrementally contribute to ensuring reliability and validity and, thus, the rigor of a study. Morse, J. M. , Barrett, M. , Mayan, M. , Olson, K. , & Spiers, J. (2002). Verification Strategies for Establishing Reliability and Validity in Qualitative Research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 13– 22.

RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH Verification Strategies §Methodological coherence is to ensure congruence between the research question and the components of the method. §The sample must be appropriate, consisting of participants who best represent or have knowledge of the research topic §Collecting and analyzing data concurrently forms a mutual interaction between what is known and what one needs to know. Morse, J. M. , Barrett, M. , Mayan, M. , Olson, K. , & Spiers, J. (2002). Verification Strategies for Establishing Reliability and Validity in Qualitative Research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 13 – 22.

RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH Strategies be used to attain trustworthiness: • peer debriefing • prolonged engagement • persistent observation • audit trails • member checks (when coding, categorizing, or confirming results with participants). • Triangulation Say what you propose to do for your research to ensure reliability and validity. Read other sources.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH Ethical issues are present in any kind of research. The research process creates tension between the aims of research to make generalizations for the good of others, and the rights of participants to maintain privacy. Ethics pertains to doing good and avoiding harm (Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 2000; 33: 1, p. 93). The nature of ethical problems in qualitative research studies is subtle and different compared to problems in quantitative research. For example, potential ethical conflicts exist in regard to how a researcher gains access to a community group and in the effects the researcher may have on participants (Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 2000; 33: 1, p. 93).

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS Qualitative researchers focus their research on exploring, examining, and describing people and their natural environments. Embedded in qualitative research are the concepts of relationships and power between researchers and participants. The desire to participate in a research study depends upon a participant’s willingness to share his or her experience (Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 2000; 33: 1, p. 93).

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS Include: Obtaining permission Obtaining informed consent Confidentiality Care when handling data Acknowledgment of works by citing sources *Say what you propose to do for your research to ensure ethical practice. Read other sources.