CIRA Qualitative Research Discussion Group (QRDG): "Transparency in Qualitative Research: Data Sharing and Beyond"

Presentation Abstract:

Transparency and reproducibility are becoming standard practices in social science research and, increasingly, requirements for funding and publication. But, most requirements and guidelines are written with quantitative research in mind. What does this mean for qualitative researchers? What are some common concerns about the applicability of transparency (or reproducibility) to qualitative research? Can (and should) qualitative data be shared more widely and what are some of the ethical, practical, and epistemological issues when sharing qualitative data?

Sebastian Karcher draws on his experience curating data and advising researchers for the Qualitative Data Repository (QDR) to propose some tentative answers to these questions and suggest steps towards more transparent qualitative research.

QRDG Overview:

The goal of the Qualitative Research Discussion Group (QRDG) is to provide opportunities for individuals involved in qualitative or mixed-methods research to meet regularly to discuss the qualitative research process and potentially problem-solve issues that may arise when engaged in qualitative research. Discussion topics include, but are not limited to: logistics, data management, analysis, dissemination, role of the researcher, and ethics. It is intended as a venue for discussing research in progress and new or relevant literature on qualitative methods and practice as well as to create networking opportunities and foster research collaborations. CIRA's Interdisciplinary Research Methods (IRM) Core Core member, Lauretta Grau, PhD, is coordinating the meetings. She can be reached at lauretta.grau@yale.edu.