Table 1

Questions and steps towards qualitative research of high quality

QuestionSteps
How does this research relate to prior knowledge, literature and understanding of the research topic?Focus and perspective defined; clear question(s) that signal(s) qualitative approach, iteratively refined; concepts, theories and lacunae that animate the research are justified
How do I (the researcher) relate to the concern (that is, the people and phenomena that are) at the center of this research?Design adjusted where necessary in line with flexibility in qualitative research; logic of quantitative inquiry not superimposed in ways that are contrary to the ends and means of qualitative research
How do I relate to “my” data?Account of your understanding of your role in the research (reflexivity); data enable you to answer the research question(s); engagement with data is evident through outline of analytical processes
How do the data relate to my analysis?Analytical process is carefully documented so that the reader can follow the logic and consequences of choices and interpretations
How do I (through my research) relate to the (research) community (the participants and readers)?Where relevant, research participants have been given time and choices; participated voluntarily following informed consent; their anonymity respected; received something in return (e.g. summary of findings, community advocacy); the research is of relevance and interest to others/practitioners in the field

Source(s): Authors’ own work

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