Asking chatgpt on how to improve qualitative research method quality with regard to credibility and transferability: for Housing Studies

Asking chatgpt (via poe.com) on how to improve qualitative research method quality with regard to credibility and transferability: for Housing Studies

My research question: "I am a part-time Housing Studies student, currently formulating my dissertation proposal. I try to figure out how to improve my qualitative research design with regard to the two criteria of transferability and credibility. My research theme is on the perceived life difficulties faced by the gen z due to the housing affordability problem in Hong Kong. My research methods to use are narrative interview and focus group. A third research research to use is desk research, using the AI tool of perplexity. The overall research philosophy is pragmatism. My two questions are: (1) what are the criteria of credibility and transferability all about in qualitative research method design and (2) what I need to pay attention in order to improve my research method quality of transferability and credibility? Could you clarify for me? Tks."

The reply from chatgpt: "Certainly! Here’s a breakdown of the criteria of credibility and transferability in qualitative research, along with tips on how to enhance these aspects in your study.

1. Criteria of Credibility and Transferability

Credibility

Definition: Credibility refers to the confidence in the truth of the findings. It assesses whether the research accurately represents the participants' experiences.

Key Aspects:

Prolonged Engagement: Spending adequate time in the field to gain a deep understanding of the context.

Triangulation: Using multiple data sources, methods, or researchers to corroborate findings.

Member Checking: Involving participants in verifying the accuracy of the findings and interpretations.

Peer Debriefing: Engaging colleagues to discuss and critique the research process and findings.

Transferability

Definition: Transferability refers to the extent to which findings can be applied or generalized to other contexts or populations.

Key Aspects:

Thick Description: Providing detailed descriptions of the research setting, participants, and context to help readers understand the applicability of the findings.

Contextual Factors: Discussing the specific characteristics of the study that may influence the results.

Explicit Criteria: Clearly outlining the criteria used for selecting participants and contexts to enable comparisons.

2. Improving Research Method Quality for Transferability and Credibility

For Credibility:

Use Triangulation: Combine narrative interviews, focus groups, and desk research to provide multiple perspectives on the issues faced by Gen Z.

Engage in Member Checking: After conducting interviews, share initial findings with participants to validate your interpretations.

Conduct Peer Reviews: Regularly discuss your findings and methods with peers or advisors for critical feedback.

For Transferability:

Provide Thick Descriptions: When reporting your findings, include rich details about the participants' backgrounds, the socio-economic context of Hong Kong, and the specific nature of the housing affordability issues.

Document the Research Process: Keep a detailed record of your methodology, decisions, and any changes made during the research to help others understand how your findings were derived.

Discuss Limitations: Acknowledge the limitations of your study and the contexts in which your findings might be applicable or not.

Additional Considerations

Ethical Considerations: Ensure that the research is conducted ethically, with informed consent and respect for participants' confidentiality.

Reflexivity: Reflect on your biases, assumptions, and how your background may influence the research process and interpretation of data.

By focusing on these strategies, you can enhance the credibility and transferability of your qualitative research, ultimately leading to a more robust dissertation. Good luck with your dissertation proposal!"

Reference: a collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.