Validity, Credibility, Dependability, and Ethics in Qualitative Research

The elements of validity and reliability determine the assessment of the quality and rigor of the research. Reliability is the extent to which other researchers would arrive at similar results. External validity is the extent to which the findings can be generalized. Internal validity is the extent to which the researcher can demonstrate that the emergent themes, constructs, and perspectives are true (thick description). Anticipate the ethical issues that may arise during the research process and the outcome of the data analysis.

Required Reading:
Patton, pages 405-417 and Part 3, Chapter 9
Shank – pages 109-122
Schram – Chapters 7, 8
Golafshani, N. (December 2003). Understanding reliability and validity in qualitative research. The Qualitative Report, 8(4), 597-607.

Establishing Integrity
4 Establishing Integrity
Based on the required readings and your proposed study topic, respond to Exercises 7.1 (Preparing for how you will talk about data and 8.1 (Anticipating ethical challenges) of the Schram text. Please include both exercises in single document.