Question 1

Researchers conducting qualitative studies should seek to understand one distinct study finding that is reflective of one objective truth or single reality.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research aims to explore complex phenomena from multiple perspectives, acknowledging that there can be multiple interpretations and understandings rather than a single objective truth or reality.

Question 2

In qualitative research studies, researchers should focus on forming understandings that may be relevant from one context to the next depending on similarity between the contexts.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research aims to gain a deep understanding of a particular context, and findings may be transferable to similar contexts based on the similarities and relevance of the contexts involved.

Question 3

One approach to evaluating the merits of a qualitative study is to take a relativistic approach.

Accepted Answer

A relativistic approach to evaluating the merits of a qualitative study involves understanding and interpreting the study's findings within the context of the specific cultural, social, or personal perspectives and values of the participants, rather than applying universal criteria. This approach acknowledges the subjective nature of qualitative research.

Question 4

What is considered a high-quality characterizing trait in one qualitative study will certainly be another high-quality characterizing trait in other qualitative studies.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative studies are context-specific, and what is considered a high-quality characterizing trait in one study may not necessarily apply to another due to differences in research goals, populations studied, and methodologies used.

Question 5

Whether a research study is quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods, a researcher's credentials should be the foundation from which all evaluation should stem.

Accepted Answer

The validity and reliability of a research study are determined by its methodology, design, data collection, and analysis, not solely by the researcher's credentials. While credentials can contribute to a researcher's credibility, they are not the primary basis for evaluating research quality.

Question 6

Member checking might consist of participants reviewing the data they generated and/or emergent study findings.

Accepted Answer

Member checking is a technique used in qualitative research where participants review and confirm the accuracy of the data they provided and/or the interpretations and findings emerging from the study, ensuring credibility and validity.

Question 7

Rich, thick descriptions are created only when study findings are presented.

Accepted Answer

Rich, thick descriptions can be created throughout the research process, not just when presenting findings. They involve detailed, nuanced descriptions of contexts, interactions, and observations that help to convey a deep understanding of the research subject, and can be part of data collection, analysis, and reporting stages.

Question 8

Researchers conducing qualitative research studies should only present results that align with their primary findings or main themes; any information that is counter to the main findings should be ignored.

Accepted Answer

In qualitative research, it is important to present all relevant findings, including those that may not align with the primary findings or main themes. This approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the research topic and maintains the integrity of the study.

Question 9

Data saturation pertains to when a researcher determines that s/he recruited enough participants and no new knowledge is being obtained.

Accepted Answer

Data saturation occurs in qualitative research when additional data collection no longer contributes to new insights or understanding of the research topic, indicating that enough participants have been recruited.

Question 10

Researchers conducting qualitative studies should employ five strategies that contribute to the trustworthiness of the study to ensure high-quality research.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Researchers conducting qualitative studies should employ five...

Question 11

Qualitative research is merely the reflection of a researcher's bias.

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research aims to explore and understand the meaning individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human problem. While it involves interpretive, naturalistic approaches and the perspectives of the researcher can influence the study, it is not merely a reflection of the researcher's bias. Rigorous qualitative research employs various strategies to ensure credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability, thus mitigating bias.

Question 12

Measurement validity and reliability is a domain of Tong et al.'s (2007) Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ).

Accepted Answer

The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) by Tong et al. (2007) focuses on the comprehensive reporting of qualitative studies, particularly interviews and focus groups, rather than specifically addressing measurement validity and reliability, which are more quantitative concepts.

Question 13

Discuss the concept of trustworthiness.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the concept of trustworthiness....

Question 14

Identify and provide an example of four common strategies to enhance trustworthiness, rigour, and validation in qualitative research studies.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Identify and provide an example of four...

Question 15

You are the editor of a qualitative research journal in kinesiology. You receive a manuscript (i.e., a written research report) for publication, written by three authors, that explores gendered relations and identities that evolved amongst circus performers. The following is their section on reflexivity:
We drew upon previous research on circus performers to develop key study questions. We have been involved in circus performing for several years. Indeed, this knowledge led us to frame the study in ways that paid attention to the impacts of gendered relations and identities on circus performers
What recommendations would you provide the authors to improve their section on reflexivity?

Accepted Answer

The answer of You are the editor of a qualitative...

Question 16

Explain what an "armchair walkthrough" is and how it can help researchers plan a coherent study.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain what an "armchair walkthrough" is and...

Question 17

Brainstorm as many characteristics or attributes that you would expect of an ethically-minded researcher.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Brainstorm as many characteristics or attributes that...

Question 18

What are characterizing traits, and how are they used to evaluate qualitative research studies?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are characterizing traits, and how are...

Question 19

You are at a research conference listening to a presentation from Dr. Quality about her research on parkour, which is a form of physical activity/training using all types of human movement (e.g., running, swinging, jumping, rolling) to manoeuvre oneself through a complex environment. The objective of Dr. Quality's qualitative research study was to obtain a novel understanding of parkour. Fifteen male parkour practitioners (aged 19-30 years) participated in her study, which included having their training sessions observed (training sessions were video recorded for repeat viewing) and engaging in one-on-one semi-structured interviews. Themes that emerged from the data were: Making the Impossible Possible, Breaking the Cycle of Old Training Habits, and Perfecting Movement.
Using Tong et al.'s (2007) Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) as your guide, identify five questions you would ask Dr. Quality to evaluate her study. In parentheses, specify which domain/sub-domain each question stems from in the COREQ.

Accepted Answer

The answer of You are at a research conference listening...

Question 20

Discuss the similarities and differences between the four aspects of trustworthiness that may be used as a starting place to evaluate qualitative research studies (i.e., truth value, applicability, consistency, and neutrality) with criteria used to evaluate quantitative research studies (i.e., internal validity, reliability, and objectivity).

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the similarities and differences between the...

Quiz 9: Evaluating the Merits of Qualitative Research Studies in Kinesiology