Rigor in qualitative research: the assessment of trustworthiness

Am J Occup Ther. 1991 Mar;45(3):214-22. doi: 10.5014/ajot.45.3.214.

Abstract

Despite a growing interest in qualitative research in occupational therapy, little attention has been placed on establishing its rigor. This article presents one model that can be used for the assessment of trustworthiness or merit of qualitative inquiry. Guba's (1981) model describes four general criteria for evaluation of research and then defines each from both a quantitative and a qualitative perspective. Several strategies for the achievement of rigor in qualitative research useful for both researchers and consumers of research are described.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Health Services Research / trends*
  • Humans
  • Occupational Therapy / methods*
  • Occupational Therapy / trends
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Research Design / trends*