Purchase Solution

Challenges of Qualitative Research

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

What are the challenges of ensuring the scientific rigor in qualitative research? What are some techniques used by researchers to ensure scientific rigor in qualitative research?

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

The challenges of qualitative research are determined.

Solution Preview

Qualitative research is non-positivistic. This simply means that it "does not seek to produce quantified answers to research questions" (Pope & Mays 1995) and conclusions and insights are interpreted rather than measured or uncovered. An important difference in qualitative research is that 'truth' is considered to be relative to its context, rather than absolute.
 
In any research, scientific rigor will depend on the basics of good research which is related to "systematic and self conscious research design, data collection, interpretation, and communication" (Pope & Mays, 1995). Therefore, elements such as explicit sampling strategies and detailed explanations of how data have been systematically collected and analyzed are critical to help evaluate the rigor of the research, including qualitative data.
 
However, the subjective nature of qualitative research has caused scientists to negate the value it may hold. Qualitative research was considered to be highly biased by both informant and researcher and as such, would always produce variable conclusions based on who conducted the research and hence was not generalizable. This assumes though that quantitative and qualitative research can be evaluated in the exact same way which is inaccurate. In order to understand how to evaluate rigor in the two types of designs, it is important to appreciate the different types of data that these two different types of research produces. Therefore, while they can be assessed using similar concepts, the application of these concepts is inevitably a little different due to the fundamental differences between quantitative and qualitative data.
 
In consideration of 'scientific rigor' in qualitative ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Fibromyalgia

This quiz provides a brief overview of Fibromyalgia. Research is currently evolving regarding this diagnosis.

Stress Continuum

All humans experience stress and a certain level is motivating for learning. However, a high level of stress for prolonged periods of time may have a negative impact. This information focuses on the four stages of stress. Understanding stress assists in maintaining a healthy level.

Labor and Delivery

Do you know about the stages of delivery? Find out with this quiz!

Vitals about a Patient's Vitals

Basic questions about blood pressure and measurements.

Crohn's Disease

How much do you know about this condition?