Validity in Qualitative Research
Instructions
Choose one of these to discuss:
1. Why is the concept of control, not a factor when conducting research with the qualitative method?
2. How important is the concept of validity when discussing the qualitative method?
3. Develop a hypothetical research scenario that would warrant the application of the case study. What type of approach within the qualitative method would be used? Why or why not?
4. Discuss why memo-ing is an important strategy to utilize with the grounded theory approach.
5. Use the companion website and locate a full-text version of any one of the designs under the qualitative method. Did the authors discuss any aspects related to validity? Expand on your answer as to why or not this is an important aspect to the study.
6. Develop a hypothetical research scenario that would warrant the application of the grounded theory approach. What type of design would be best utilized along with this approach?
7. Develop a hypothetical research scenario that would warrant the application of the ethnographic approach. What type of design would be best utilized along with this approach?
8. Develop a hypothetical research scenario that would warrant the application of the narrative approach. What type of design would be best utilized along with this approach?
9. Develop a hypothetical research scenario that would warrant the application of the phenomenological approach. What type of design would be best utilized along with this approach?
Solution
How important is the concept of validity when discussing the qualitative method?
The above question was selected for the sake of this discussion. The concept of validity in a qualitative study is an area of debate. However, the proposers of such a concept have highlighted its importance in a qualitative research study. According to Cypress (2017), validity can be defined as the state of being relevant, well-grounded, justifiable, or logical. Validity in research is concerned with the truthfulness, and accuracy of scientific findings.
The concept of validity promotes the use of accurate and valid instruments. According to Hayashi et al. (2019), validity differs in nature in qualitative and quantitative research studies. In quantitative research, validity specifically presents itself as the results of a test. However, validity in a qualitative research study is a processual approach that involves the interpretation of the research process (Hayashi et al., 2019). Therefore, validity in qualitative research cannot be perceived as a product or something isolated.
According to Cypress (2017), common concepts of validity techniques in qualitative research include design considerations, analytical procedures, data generation, and presentation. Validity in qualitative studies ensures that there is truthfulness in these areas of qualitative research. Design consideration entails developing a self-conscious design, purposeful choice of sample size, paradigm assumption, and the use of an inductive approach. Validity in these areas is important,, for instance, purposive sampling increases the transferability of the study results (Cypress, 2017).
Validity during data generation is evaluated through the ability of the researcher to demonstrate prolonged engagement and persistent observation, articulate data collection decisions, and achieve data saturation (Cypress, 2017). Validity ensures that analytical procedures are relevant to the study design and purpose. Therefore, validity in a study is represented by the truthfulness of the findings after careful analysis.
In line with the discussion above, Hayashi et al. (2019) present different types of validity in a qualitative study, such as descriptive validity, interpretive validity, theoretical validity, validity generalization, and valuation validity. These types of validity also define their importance in a qualitative study. Descriptive validity ensures the researcher does not distort the information or facts reported by the respondents (Cypress, 2017).
Interpretive validity assesses the researcher’s sensitivity and mental processes to derive the meaning of the events, objects, or behaviors of participants. Theoretical validity looks into how much a theoretical explanation that is developed through research analysis is in line with the data. Validity generalization ensures that the explanations can extend to other settings. The most important types of validity in a qualitative study are descriptive, theoretical, and interpretive validities (Cypress, 2017). Overall, this discussion gives a clear insight into the importance of validity in a qualitative research study.
Conclusion
The discussion looked into the importance of the concept of validity in qualitative research. This is a debatable and controversial area. While some researchers agree, others have opposed validity in a qualitative study. However, the importance of validity in qualitative research has been highlighted in the discussion above.
References
Cypress, B. S. (2017). Rigor or reliability and validity in qualitative research: Perspectives, strategies, reconceptualization, and recommendations. Dimensions of critical care nursing, 36(4), 253-263. . https://doi.org/10.1097/dcc.0000000000000253
Hayashi, P., Abib, G., & Hoppen, N. (2019). Validity in Qualitative Research: A Processual Approach. The Qualitative Report, 24(1), 98-112. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2019.3443