Assessing the quality of qualitative research

Reliability and validity are fundamental attributes of research. Reliability in quantitative research is achieved when repeated measurements of the same thing yield consistent results, while validity encompasses ensuring accurate calculations, strong research design, and ensuring data truly represents the intended concept. Computers, which handle quantitative data, are deterministic and produce consistent results. In contrast, qualitative research, being non-deterministic, can yield different results even with the same data due to human interpretation.
To enhance reliability in qualitative research, it's crucial to document data meticulously and perhaps employ multiple coders. Validity in qualitative research emphasizes rigorous data examination, considering counterpoints, comparing against prior studies, and viewing data from diverse theoretical angles. Construct validity requires ensuring data genuinely reflects the concept it's supposed to represent, which can be achieved through triangulation and establishing a clear chain of evidence. External validity, synonymous with generalizability, involves determining if study findings apply to broader populations, a process that requires analytical generalization in both quantitative and qualitative research.
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