How can trustworthiness be established in qualitative research outcomes?

Trustworthiness in qualitative research outcomes can be established through credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability.

Credibility refers to the confidence that can be placed in the truth of the research findings. This can be achieved through various strategies such as prolonged engagement, persistent observation, and triangulation. Prolonged engagement involves spending sufficient time in the field to understand the culture, social setting, and phenomena being studied. Persistent observation allows the researcher to identify and focus on the most relevant aspects of the study. Triangulation, on the other hand, involves using multiple methods, sources, investigators, or theories to corroborate evidence.

Transferability is the extent to which the findings can be applied in other contexts or with other participants. It is the qualitative researcher's responsibility to provide a detailed description of the research context and the assumptions that were central to the research. This allows anyone interested in making a transfer to reach a conclusion about whether transfer can be contemplated as a possibility.

Dependability refers to the stability of data over time and conditions. It can be established through an audit process, where an external auditor examines both the process and product of the research study for consistency. The auditor checks if the findings, interpretations, and conclusions are supported by the data.

Confirmability is the degree to which the results could be confirmed or corroborated by others. It is achieved when the study's findings are the result of the experiences and ideas of the participants, rather than the characteristics and preferences of the researcher. This can be established through a confirmability audit, where an auditor reviews the research process and the product to ensure objectivity.

In conclusion, establishing trustworthiness in qualitative research outcomes is a complex process that requires careful consideration and application of various strategies. It is crucial for ensuring the validity and reliability of the research findings, and for enhancing the overall quality of the research study.