Qualitative and Quantitative Research - Validity and Reliability

Question: Validity and reliability are primarily quantitative research concepts. Morse, Barrett, Mayan, Olson, and Spiers (2002) argue that their exclusion from qualitative research design undermines the credibility and rigor of qualitative research conclusions. Are they correct in this assertion? Why or why not? Answer: Introduction: The use of validity and reliability are common in quantitative research and recently it is also considered in the qualitative research scenario. Validity and reliability is considered to be essential in quantitative research because of its naturalistic approach. This article discusses the use of validity and reliability in the qualitative research paradigm. In this topic, the first discussion is what about Morse, Barrett, Mayan, Olson, and Spiers have to say about validity and reliability as essential quantitative concepts and then a new conclusion will be provided (Silverman, 2004). According to the works of Morse, Barrett, Mayan, Olson, and Spiers a great deal of attention is given to validity and reliability in all research methods. A number of famous qualitative researchers have said that validity and reliability were terms which are not pertinent to qualitative enquiry but are pertaining to the quantitative paradigm. In the 1980s, Lincoln and Guba found a substitution for the terms validity and reliability and i.e. trustworthiness containing four aspects of conformability, transferability, credibility and dependability (Research Rundowns, 2009). Validity and Reliability: In statistics and science, Validity is the extent to which a conclusion and a concept or measurement corresponds accurately to the real world and is well-founded. The word valid is derived from the Latin word validus meaning strong. The validity of a measurement tool is considered to be the degree to which the tool measures what it actually claims to measure. Reliability on the other hand, means the ability of a system to perform its functions under stated conditions within a specific time period. Reliability and validity in qualitative research Sarantakos has asserted that validity is a methodological element not only of qualitative but also of quantitative research. Goets and Lecompte have mentioned two forms of validity in qualitative research i.e. internal validity and external validity. To quote Sarantakos, The types of measurement of the degree of reliability and the definitions of reliability should be considered when the quality of reliability in quantitative and qualitative research contexts is evaluated. Conclusion: In this essay, an attempt has been made to prove that qualitative research can be properly validated. To calculate reliability and validity in qualitative research, the researchers should document their procedures and show accordingly that the categories have been used consistently. References: Research Rundowns,. (2009). Instrument, Validity, Reliability. Retrieved 17 February 2015, from https://researchrundowns.wordpress.com/quantitative-methods/instrument-validity-reliability/ Research, V. (2015). Validity and Reliability in Qualitative Research. Academia.edu. Retrieved 17 February 2015, from https://www.academia.edu/997438/Validity_and_Reliability_in_Qualitative_Research Silverman, D. (2004). Qualitative research. London: Sage Publications.