Advanced Research Methodology Applications: Qualitative

Assignment # 1

Title of Assignment:
Article Review
Submitted to:
Prof. Dr. Hafiz Zafar Ahmad
Submitted by:
Haris Mehmood
L1F16PHAF0010

Date: 14.03.2017
 Article Review
Citation: Tracy, S. J. (2010). Qualitative quality: Eight "Big-Tent" criteria for excellent
qualitative research. Qualitative Inquiry, 16(10).

Since last three decades there is an unanswered question, that what are the important
insights about best practices for qualitative research? It is necessary to be answered properly to
get those criterion, on the basis of which, any qualitative research could be standardized in
general. These criterions must have general acceptability among researchers, decision makers,
government and funding agencies. It will help to provide a systematic and structured framework
for qualitative quality which can help us to communicate value for our work to a variety of
audiences.
In this perspective, reviewed article provided eight point conceptualization of qualitative
qua lity that is unique and proactive in nature because it indicates eight universal hallmarks for
high quality qualitative methods. These hallmarks may be considered effective in general but
there combination for a specific research depends upon the researcher and his affiliation.

Eight Criteria of Quality in Qualitative Research

Qualitative research has its own importance in every field of life. It helps out to explore
the new dimensions in particular. That is why it is utmost to infer a compact research and quality
qualitative methodological research is marked by eight quality criterions that are (a) worthy topic
(b) rich rigor (c) sincerity (d) creditability (e) resonance (f) significant contribution (g) ethics and
(h) meaningful coherence. Each criterion may be achieved through a variety of craft skills,
depending on the goals of the study and preferences of the researcher.
Worthy topic is considered as the core heart of any qualitative research. It must be
relevant, timely, significant, interesting and evocative. It often emerges from current political or
contemporary issues which may have worth to be concluded. A healthy topic normally based on
disciplinary priorities and therefore is considered theoretically or conceptually compelling to the
audience which can shake their heads. A study which is based on convenience rather than any
significance is not considered worthy as it is pursued with less care devoted to design and data
collection.
 Rich rigor study claims efforts to achieve goals in itself. A study should be dynamic but
fulfillment of its requirements must be based on diligence, exercising appropriate time, effort,
care and thoroughness. It starts from collecting abundant or a little but new, unique or rare data
to conclude a valuable contribution effectively.
Sincerity in research depicts the word genuineness but it does not only mean to suggest a
single genuine truth. It means the research is marked by honesty and transparency about the
researchers biases, mistakes, goals and adopted methods. So the research must be unbiased,
without mistakes and by adopting appropriate methods to achieve its objectives.
Creditability is based on trustworthiness and plausibility of the research findings. It
means that the findings could be inferred by any other researcher. It refers to express a reality
that seems true in the research which is based on cultural, social, individual and communal sense
of the word real.
Resonance refers to the ability of a researcher to meaningfully elaborate and affect an
audience. Any research which is unable to communicate in itself with the beneficiaries and also
to those readers who have no direct experience, is considered a vague research. To achieve
resonance in research two families of practices aesthetic merit and transferability are
considered. Aesthetic merit is a key path to resonance. It means the research is presented in such
a way that appeal to the reader. Transferability means the research is able to let the readers feel as
it overlaps with their own situation and they intuitively transfer the research to their own action.
Significant contribution is the major ingredient of any research. It means how much the
research is intended to contribute in scholarly community. It measures the value of research in
general when it is assumed to be considered by other researchers, government and social
individuals. Significant contribution is may be in two ways. By providing with the new concepts
and ideas or enhance the existing theory or concepts which can make sense in a new and
different context.
Ethical consideration is core of any action. A good qualitative research should fulfill all
the ethical requirements. It must consider procedural ethics, situational ethics, relational ethics
and exiting ethics. Procedural ethics such as do no harm, avoid deception, negotiate informed
consent, privacy and confidential information must be in consideration. A situational ethic
assumes that each circumstances is different and that researchers must repeatedly reflect on,
critique and question their ethical decisions. It suggests that ethical decisions should be based on
the particularities of a scene. Relational ethics involve care for the identities involved in the
process. These identities are researchers, communities and government agencies. Exiting ethics
is all about the procedure a researcher adopts to finalize the research and share the results.
Researcher must be careful to avoid unjust or unintended consequences. It suggests to present
results in such a manner that can lead society with some moral grounds rather than to harm the
society with truth.
Coherence means that study has achieved its objectives by attaining data and completed
its procedures in a meaningful way and it is comprised of all the dimensions which it is intended
to have for achieving some specific goals. Coherence doesnt mean only to complete the
procedure. It infers to follow all the necessary implications effectively which may lead a research
to be resonant and credible.
In a nut shell, qualitative research must have these eight criterions to be general
acceptable among researchers, government and funding agencies. Each criterion may be
achieved through a variety of craft skills, depending on the goals of the study and preferences of
the researcher. There combination for a specific research depends upon the researcher and his
affiliation.