Question

How do we establish scientific rigor in quantitative research? Why is this important?

Answer 1

Scientific rigor in quantitative research refers to the soundness or precision of a study in terms of planning, data collection, analysis, and reporting. To determine the accuracy of quantitative methods, scientists have a number of indicators at hand which allow them to evaluate a study and infer about its theoretical and empirical contribution.

The correct way of establishing scientific rigor is described in following 6 steps:

Criteria for soundness of rigor are as follows:

1- Truth value/credibility of the study: degree to which researcher has established "confidence in the truth of the findings for the subjects and the context in which the study was undertaken"

2- Applicability: degree to which the findings can be applied to other contexts, settings or groups

3- Consistency: extent to which the findings would be consistent if inquiry were replicated with same subjects or similar context

4- Neutrality: degree to which the findings are a function of the subjects/informants and condition of the research and not of other biases, motivations, and perspectives.

Usefulness of Scientific Rigor:

In any research, the goal of quality and rigor in qualitative research is to minimize the accuracy and credibility of research results. As a concept, rigor is perhaps best thought of in terms of the quality of the research process. In essence, a more rigorous research process will result in more trustworthy findings. Second, it enables readers to assess whether the method chosen was the most appropriate for answering the chosen research question.