Qualitative research and the question of rigor

Davies, D. and Dodd, J (2002) Qualitative research and the question of rigor. Qualitative Health Research, 12 (2). pp. 279-289.

Abstract

In this article, the authors discuss the issue of rigor in relation to qualitative social research. It takes a critical focus on the inadequacy of applying a quantitative concept of rigor to evaluate qualitative research. Informed through the researchers’own experience, suggestions are made for a concept of rigor that meets the needs of qualitative research more adequately. Incorporating a notion of ethics, the authors develop a cluster of terms around which they argue that qualitative research can meaningfully speak about rigor: attentiveness, empathy, carefulness, sensitivity, respect, reflection, conscientiousness, engagement,awareness, and openness.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Murdoch Affiliation(s):	School of Social Inquiry
Publisher:	Sage
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/16761

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