9.8.5 Qualitative Analysis
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Qualitative Analysis: Critically Appraises Qualitative Research and Mixed Methods Research
Qualitative research has gained increasing recognition in healthcare research as it provides insights into the experiences, perspectives, and behaviours of individuals in their natural settings. Critically appraising qualitative research and mixed methods research is crucial to ensure the validity and reliability of findings. The following are some key considerations when appraising qualitative research:
- Rigour and Trustworthiness: Qualitative research must demonstrate rigour and trustworthiness through various methods, including credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Researchers should also report the reflexivity of the researcher and provide a clear description of the study’s context, research design, sampling methods, data collection and analysis techniques, and findings.
- Sampling: The sampling method should be appropriate and well-described. The sample size should be justified, and the sampling strategy should be appropriate for the research question.
- Data Collection: The data collection method should be clearly described, and the data should be collected using an appropriate method. The data collection should also be reliable and valid, and the researcher should consider the influence of their own biases and reflexivity on the data.
- Data Analysis: The data analysis technique should be appropriate and well-described. The researcher should report the process of coding, categorizing, and interpreting the data.
- Ethics: Qualitative research should adhere to ethical standards, including informed consent, confidentiality, and the protection of participants’ rights.
Mixed methods research involves combining qualitative and quantitative data and methods to gain a deeper understanding of the research question. Appraising mixed methods research requires the same considerations as appraising qualitative research, as well as an evaluation of the integration of the qualitative and quantitative data and methods.
Overall, critical appraisal of qualitative and mixed methods research requires a thorough understanding of the research methodology and an evaluation of its rigour and trustworthiness.
Summarizing how to critically appraise qualitative research and mixed methods research:
| Aspect | Qualitative Research | Mixed Methods Research |
| Research Question | Does the research question explore a relevant phenomenon? | Does the research question require mixed methods? |
| Design | Is the design appropriate for the research question and phenomenon? | Is the integration of qualitative and quantitative methods appropriate and clear? |
| Sampling | Is the sampling strategy appropriate and justifiable? Is the sample size appropriate? | Is the sampling strategy appropriate for both qualitative and quantitative components? |
| Data Collection | Are the data collection methods appropriate for the research question and phenomenon? Is the data collection process clear and rigorous? | Are the data collection methods appropriate for both qualitative and quantitative components? Are the data collection processes clear and rigorous for both components? |
| Data Analysis | Is the data analysis method appropriate for the research question and phenomenon? Is the analysis rigorous and systematic? Are the findings supported by the data? | Is the data analysis method appropriate for both qualitative and quantitative components? Is the integration of qualitative and quantitative data appropriate and rigorous? |
| Trustworthiness | Are the methods used to enhance rigour and trustworthiness clear and appropriate? | Are the methods used to enhance rigour and trustworthiness clear and appropriate for both qualitative and quantitative components? |
| Findings | Are the findings relevant, meaningful, and supported by the data? | Are the findings relevant, meaningful, and supported by the data for both qualitative and quantitative components? |
| Interpretation and Conclusion | Are the interpretations and conclusions grounded in the data and appropriate for the research question and phenomenon? | Are the interpretations and conclusions grounded in the data and appropriate for both qualitative and quantitative components? |
Note: This table is not an exhaustive list and other factors may need to be considered depending on the specific study and research question.
References:
- Tariq, S. & Woodman, J. (2013). Using mixed methods in health research. JRSM Short Reports, 4(6), 1-8. doi: 10.1177/2042533313479197
- Tong, A., Sainsbury, P., & Craig, J. (2007). Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ): a 32-item checklist for interviews and focus groups. International journal for quality in health care, 19(6), 349-357.