It is very important to ensure the reliability and validity of the data collection tools in qualitative research because the researcher’s skills and biases can affect the quality of research data. Reliability refers to the “reproducibility and stability of the data” while validity means the research data’s “honesty and genuineness” (Anderson, 2010, p.2). Data-gathering tools in qualitative studies include semi-structured or in-depth interviews, focused-group discussions, and participant-observation. To limit biases and make sure information is accurate, the researcher makes use of techniques such as “triangulation use of contradictory evidence, respondent validation, and constant comparison” (p.2). All these techniques and methods, when done properly, produces research data that are reliable and valid.
The data in qualitative cases come from a few cases or individuals since the focus of the study is examining issues in depth and in more detail. Thus, the researcher has to make sure that in the study of these cases/individuals; there is a clear awareness of his/her manner of conducting interviews, observations, and facilitating focus-group sessions. The researcher needs to record everything that has been done during the research process, including the subjective aspects, so that future researchers who intend to carry out the same research is informed of every detail. Such descriptions also contribute to the reproducibility of the study.
The quality of results from qualitative studies is very much dependent on the proper conduct of data collection tools. The skills of the researcher in conducting the methods also contribute heavily to valid results. Thus, it is of prime importance to ensure that the methods used are reliable and that the researcher is skilled enough to carry out data-collection in the correct and proper way.
References
Anderson, C. (2010). Presenting and Evaluating Qualitative Research. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 78 (4): 141. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2987281/.
