reliability validity and trustworthiness in qualitative research

You may miss something a participant said that another coder catches. Using multiple researchers to code the same dataset can be quite helpful. Finally, the dataset is recoded using the final list of codes, making sure to apply the definition of the code consistently throughout each transcript. Once you come up with a final list of codes, make sure each one has a definition that clearly spells out what the code means.

In focused coding a final list of codes is identified from the results of the open coding. Once you have completed a few passes and started noticing commonalities, you might begin focused coding. That is, you will read through all of your transcripts multiple times. Open coding will probably require multiple rounds. This means that you read through each transcript, line by line, and make a note of whatever categories or themes jump out to you. To analyze qualitative data, one can begin by open coding transcripts. Qualitative researcher and textbook author Kristin Esterberg (2002) describes coding as a multistage process. A code is a shorthand representation of some more complex set of issues or ideas. To move from the specific observations a researcher collects to identifying patterns across those observations, qualitative researchers will often begin by reading through transcripts and trying to identify codes.

Analysis of qualitative data often works inductively (Glaser & Strauss, 1967 Charmaz, 2006). The goal of qualitative data analysis is to reach some inferences, lessons, or conclusions by condensing large amounts of data into relatively smaller, more manageable bits of understandable information. Because these are difficult to capture via audio, it is important to have a note-taker in focus groups or to write useful field notes during interviews.

Gestures made by participants should be noted, as should the tone of voice and notes about when, where, and how spoken words may have been emphasized by participants. If possible, it is also best to include nonverbals in a transcript. In general, it is best to aim for a verbatim transcript, one that reports word for word exactly what was said in the recording. Researchers create a complete written copy, or transcript, of the recording by playing it back and typing in each word that is spoken, noting who spoke which words. Obtaining these transcripts requires having either taken exceptionally good notes or, preferably, having recorded the interview or focus group and then transcribed it.

Assess the rigor of qualitative analysis using the criteria of trustworthiness and authenticityĪnalysis of qualitative data typically begins with a set of transcripts of the interviews or focus groups conducted.Identify and describe the two types of coding in qualitative research.Describe how to transcribe qualitative data.

Reliability validity and trustworthiness in qualitative research