Online Article

Types of qualitative data validation

13th January 2023

Related topic: Qualitative research

Author: Ady Hameme N. A.

Qualitative data validation is a process of ensuring that the data collected and analyzed in a qualitative study is accurate, trustworthy, and credible. The goal of data validation is to establish the credibility and dependability of the data and the research findings. There are several types of qualitative data validation that can be used, which are based on the works of Creswell, Denzin and Lincoln, Lincoln and Guba, Maxwell, Merriam, Morse, Roulston, Sandelowski, Strauss and Corbin, and Tashakkori and Teddlie.

One type of data validation is member checking, also known as respondent validation or informant validation. This involves going back to the participants in a study and asking them to review the findings to ensure that they are accurate and that the researchers have accurately represented their perspectives. This helps to establish the credibility of the data and the findings.

Another type of data validation is prolonged engagement, which involves the researcher being immersed in the research setting for an extended period of time in order to gain a deeper understanding of the context and participants. By staying in the field for an extended period, the researcher can gain a more nuanced and detailed understanding of the research setting, which can help to establish the dependability of the data and the findings.

Triangulation is another type of data validation, which involves collecting data from multiple sources and perspectives in order to cross-check and confirm findings. By using multiple methods of data collection or involving multiple researchers, triangulation can be used to increase the trustworthiness of the data and the findings.

Peer review, which involves having another researcher review and evaluate the study, is another type of data validation. This helps to establish the credibility of the data and the findings by having them evaluated by someone who is familiar with the research methods and techniques.

Audit trails, which involve documenting all the steps of the research process in a detailed and transparent manner, can also be used to establish the credibility of the data and the findings. Audit trails help to show how the data was collected, analyzed, and interpreted, and provides a clear picture of the research process for others to review.

Finally, negative case analysis, which involves looking for counterevidence and alternative explanations for the findings, is another type of data validation. This type of analysis allows to generate more robust conclusion and to avoid overgeneralization and biasness.

In conclusion, there are several types of qualitative data validation that can be used to establish the credibility and dependability of the data and the research findings. These include member checking, prolonged engagement, triangulation, peer review, audit trails, and negative case analysis. By using a combination of these methods, researchers can ensure that their data and findings are trustworthy and credible.

Cite this article: Ady Hameme, N. A. (2023, January 13). Types of qualitative data validation. Retrieved <insert month> <insert date>, <insert year>, from https://www.myadvrc.com/publications/article-11

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