Qualitative Literacy: A Guide to Evaluating Ethnographic and Interview Research

Qualitative Literacy provides criteria to assess qualitative research methods, such as in-depth interviewing and participant observation, and is essential for studying inequality, poverty, education, public health, immigration, the family, and criminal justice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

When faced with two qualitative studies, one rooted in empirical evidence and the other intriguing but lacking in scientific rigor, how can we discern the difference? This is a crucial question for social scientists, researchers, students, evaluators, policy makers, and journalists who rely on qualitative research to understand complex social phenomena. Qualitative Literacy offers a set of criteria to evaluate qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviewing and participant observation. These methods are invaluable in exploring topics such as inequality, poverty, education, public health, immigration, the family, and criminal justice. However, the sheer volume of ethnographic and interview studies published annually on these issues raises the question of their scientific quality. This guide aims to provide social scientists, researchers, students, evaluators, policy makers, and journalists with the tools necessary to identify and evaluate the quality of field research.

Empirical evidence is the foundation of qualitative research. It involves collecting data through observation, interviews, and other methods to gain insights into the experiences, perspectives, and behaviors of individuals or groups. Empirical evidence is grounded in facts and can be tested through statistical analysis to ensure its reliability and validity. On the other hand, qualitative research relies on non-numerical data, such as words, images, and narratives, to understand the meaning and context of a phenomenon. Qualitative research can be rich and nuanced, providing a deeper understanding of complex social issues. However, it is also more subjective and prone to bias. Researchers must be aware of their own biases and take steps to mitigate them, such as triangulating data sources, conducting peer reviews, and being transparent about their research methods.

In-depth interviewing is a key method in qualitative research. It involves conducting structured or semi-structured interviews with individuals or groups to gather detailed information about their experiences, perspectives, and behaviors. Interviews can be conducted in person or over the phone, and they can be open-ended or guided by a set of questions. Interviews can provide rich insights into the experiences of individuals and groups, but they can also be time-consuming and expensive. Participant observation is another important method in qualitative research. It involves observing individuals or groups in their natural environments, such as their homes, workplaces, or social settings. Participant observation can provide valuable insights into the daily lives of individuals and groups, but it can also be challenging to maintain objectivity and avoid influencing the behavior of the observed.

When evaluating the quality of qualitative research, there are several criteria to consider. One of the most important is the rigor of the research design. A well-designed research study should have a clear research question, a clear methodology, and a clear analysis plan. The study should also be conducted in a rigorous and systematic manner, with clear and transparent reporting of the research methods and findings. Another important criterion is the validity and reliability of the data. Qualitative research often relies on non-numerical data, which can be challenging to measure and analyze. Researchers must use rigorous methods to ensure the validity and reliability of their data, such as triangulation, peer review, and member checking.

In addition to the rigor of the research design and the validity and reliability of the data, qualitative research should also be evaluated based on its relevance, significance, and impact. A study should address a relevant social issue and provide new insights or understanding to the field. It should also have a significant impact on the lives of individuals or groups, such as through policy changes, social movements, or personal growth.

In conclusion, when faced with two qualitative studies, one rooted in empirical evidence and the other intriguing but lacking in scientific rigor, it is essential to assess their quality using a set of criteria. Qualitative research can be a valuable tool for understanding complex social phenomena, but it is important to ensure that it is conducted rigorously and systematically. By evaluating the rigor of the research design, the validity and reliability of the data, the relevance, significance, and impact of the study, social scientists, researchers, students, evaluators, policy makers, and journalists can identify and evaluate the quality of field research. This will help to ensure that the findings of qualitative research are reliable, valid, and meaningful, and can contribute to the advancement of social science and policy.

Weight: 272g
Dimension: 210 x 140 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520390669