Trustworthiness: The naturalistic process of inquiry has been criticized based on the issue of
trustworthiness. It is noted that qualitative approaches bring about subjectivity of inquiry. Again the investigation biases may not allow him to produce authentic information. As a result of subjectivity valid knowledge may not be generated.
trustworthiness. It is noted that qualitative approaches bring about subjectivity of inquiry. Again the investigation biases may not allow him to produce authentic information. As a result of subjectivity valid knowledge may not be generated.
The naturalists have objected these attacks. They have made efforts to fix certain standards to check the trustworthiness of the investigation.
i. Credibility: This is the level of agreement between the researchers data and the interpretation and the multiple realities that exist in the minds of the respondents.
ii. Transferability: This is the quality that makes it possible to derive accruable meaning of information on interpretation available in specific contexts.
iii. Dependability: This is the stability of information sought and interpretation derived in different situations on specific issues.
iv. Confirmability: This is the possibility of studying the collected objective / systematic information and getting the same or similar conclusions by different researchers.
i. Credibility: This is the level of agreement between the researchers data and the interpretation and the multiple realities that exist in the minds of the respondents.
ii. Transferability: This is the quality that makes it possible to derive accruable meaning of information on interpretation available in specific contexts.
iii. Dependability: This is the stability of information sought and interpretation derived in different situations on specific issues.
iv. Confirmability: This is the possibility of studying the collected objective / systematic information and getting the same or similar conclusions by different researchers.
The following principles guide naturalistic research in achieving the four criteria above.
- The use of prolonged field work to overcome biases and wrong perceptions that may appear in one short trip.
- Persistent observation of certain typical meaningful features can help to increase the credibility of the study.
- Interaction with colleagues helps to evolve suitable designs, share anxieties apprehension and feelings about field work
- Variety of data sources using different investigators with different perspectives help to project a consolidated picture of the field and enhance dependability and confirmability of data.
- Varieties of related references materials like documents, pictures, films, video and audio tapes helps to increase trustworthiness
- Using varieties of data collection techniques can help to increase confirmability and dependability of data.
- Cross checking of data and interpretations by some of the respondents can enhance internal validity of the study.
- Increasing purposive sampling to collect different instances across a wide range of events can be useful in maximizing the range of information an increase externalvalidity of data.
- Substantive description of events in specific contexts can be useful in establishing the reliability and dependability of information and conclusion.Note that these cannot guarantee trustworthiness, but can generate a convincing situation about the meaningfulness of study.
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