In: Operations Management
How can a "researcher acting as an instrument" in a qualitative study best ensure the trustworthiness of the data analysis and the conclusions?
Trustworthiness in qualitative research is very significant. It is is similar to validity whereby results generated through the research can be termed as valid and applicable in answering the research question in real life setting.
It is for the qualitative researchers to maintain "rigorous subjectivity" that is; acknowledging their own biases and strive to minimize and/or balance them.
The strategies involved in enhancement of trustworthiness include:
• Maintaining detailed notes of procedures and decisions. This notes can be used to track the actions of the researcher during the research
• Kep awareness high to distinguish between observation and interpretation in notes because sometimes the personal interpretation of people get mixed with subjective observation.
• Taking down different types of data and making sure that all of the data has been compared and used in the final analysis, By this way he or she can lessen the biases because of being part of an experiment.