Strengthening Qualitative Studies and Reports

This article examines six criteria for conducting qualitative research and evaluating qualitative research reports in social work: (1) identification of the chosen philosophy/epistemology, (2) identification of audience and objectives, (3) specification of the study method, (4) identification of biases, (5) maintenance of social work ethics, and (6) assurance of consistency between conclusions and study philosophy, objectives, and presented data. Throughout, the author emphasizes the need to examine potentially disconfirming data in all qualitative research. These criteria are intended to guide qualitative researchers, inform the teaching of qualitative research methods, and aid review of qualitative research reports.