Evaluating the Merits of Qualitative Research Studies in Kinesiology

trustworthiness

convincing an audience that study findings are worth paying attention to

trustworthiness is used synonymous with rigor and validation

methodological coherence

having all components of a research design align with one another

consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research

using a checklist to consider what is good research

relativistic criteria to characterizing traits

identifying study characteristics that may suggest high-quality research, depending on the context

four aspects of trustworthiness

truth value

applicability

consistency

neutrality

truth value

• credibility of a study

• confidence in the “truth” of study findings for participants

applicability

transferability of a study - forming understandings that may be relevant to other contexts or participants

consistency

• dependability of a study - would similar findings emerge if a study was replicated in similar circumstances

• seek to understand variability of study findings or unique experiences that stem from the multiple realities assumption

Define neutrality.

Findings reflect participant meanings rather than researcher bias.

What researcher practice supports neutrality?

Reflexivity

What is an audit trail?

Detailed documentation of the entire research process.

Notes on transcription, coding, theme development, events, and decisions.

What is member checking?

Participants review data, interpretations, or themes to verify accuracy.

What is peer debriefing?

A peer challenges the researcher to reflect critically on the study.

Why present negative/discrepant information?

To show alternate perspectives and increase credibility.

What is prolonged engagement?

Spending extended time with participants to develop trust and depth.

What is purposeful sampling?

Selecting participants who are information-rich and relevant to the study question.

What is researcher reflexivity?

Reflecting on one’s biases, experiences, and their influence on research.

What are rich, thick descriptions?

Detailed, vivid descriptions that allow readers to understand context deeply.

What is triangulation?

Using multiple data sources, perspectives, or methods to corroborate findings.

Does using more strategies automatically guarantee rigour?

No—quality depends on appropriateness and execution, not quantity.

What is alignment in qualitative research?

Coherence among assumptions, questions, design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

What is methodological coherence?

Alignment across all components of a qualitative study.

What is an armchair walkthrough?

Critically imagining and planning each step before conducting the study.

What does COREQ stand for?

Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research.

How many items are included in COREQ?

32 items.

What are the three COREQ domains?

Research team & reflexivity, study design, analysis & findings.

What methods is COREQ most relevant to?

Interviews and focus groups.

Why is a single evaluation standard insufficient in qualitative research?

Because methods, contexts, and purposes vary widely.

What are characterizing traits?

Flexible criteria that suggest quality depending on context.

Why are ethics foundational in qualitative research?

They ensure respect, welfare, and equity for participants.

What do ethically minded researchers contribute?

A strong, trustworthy study built on ethical decision-making.