The following is my discussion with chatgpt about confirmability audit for Housing Studies dissertation project work.

Asking chatgpt (accessed via poe.com) about confirmability audit for Housing Studies dissertation project work.

The following is my discussion with chatgpt about confirmability audit for Housing Studies dissertation project work.

My question 1: "I am a part-time Housing Studies student, currently learning the subject of Research Methods. I have a question about what confirmability audit is in the subject context of research design quality. Could you tell me what are the main ideas underlying confirmability audit?"

The reply from chatgpt: "Certainly! A confirmability audit is a critical aspect of qualitative research that focuses on ensuring the objectivity and reliability of the research findings. Here are the main ideas underlying a confirmability audit:

Objective Research: Confirmability emphasizes that the findings should be shaped by the data collected rather than the researcher's biases or preconceptions. Researchers aim to present an accurate depiction of the participants' perspectives and experiences.

Audit Trail: This involves maintaining a transparent and detailed record of the research process. It includes documentation of decisions made during the research, data collection methods, analysis procedures, and any changes in the research design.

Data Triangulation: To enhance confirmability, researchers often use multiple data sources or methods to cross-verify findings. This triangulation helps ensure that the results are consistent and reliable.

Reflexivity: Researchers should reflect on their own influence on the research process. This means being aware of personal biases and how they might affect data interpretation. Keeping a reflexive journal can be a useful practice.

Peer Review: Engaging with colleagues or other researchers for feedback can help identify any biases or assumptions that may have influenced the research. This external perspective can enhance the credibility of the findings.

Member Checking: This involves returning to participants to verify the interpretations or findings derived from their data. It ensures that the researcher has accurately represented their views.

Clear Reporting: The final report should clearly outline the research methods, findings, and how conclusions were drawn. A transparent presentation of the research process contributes to its confirmability.

By adhering to these principles, researchers can strengthen the credibility and trustworthiness of their qualitative studies, ensuring that the findings are a true reflection of the data collected."

My question 2 is: "Could you give me some specific ideas how to practice confirmability audit in the case of doing in-depth research interview with a small convenience sample to study Hong Kong generation Z's view on home ownership planning?"

The reply from chatgpt: "Certainly! Here are some specific ideas for practicing confirmability audit while conducting in-depth research interview with a small convenience sample to study Hong Kong Generation Z's views on home ownership planning:

1. Maintain Detailed Documentation

Interview Protocol: Create a structured guide with the interview questions and topics to cover. Document any deviations during the interviews.

Field Notes: After each interview, write detailed notes about the context, participant reactions, and your own reflections.

2. Create an Audit Trail

Record Keeping: Store all data, including audio recordings, transcriptions, and notes in an organized manner. Ensure that all steps of the research process are documented.

Decision Log: Keep a log of key decisions made throughout the research, including participant selection, question formulation, and analysis methods.

3. Engage in Reflexivity

Reflexive Journal: Maintain a journal where you reflect on your own biases, assumptions, and emotions before, during, and after the interviews. Consider how these might influence your interpretations.

Self-awareness: Regularly assess how your background and beliefs might shape the research process and findings.

4. Use Data Triangulation

Multiple Sources: If possible, complement interviews with other data sources, such as surveys or focus groups, to capture a broader perspective on home ownership planning among Generation Z.

Literature Review: Integrate findings from existing research on Generation Z and housing to validate your new data.

5. Conduct Member Checking

Feedback Sessions: After transcribing interviews, share key findings or interpretations with participants to ensure their views are accurately represented.

Follow-Up Interviews: If feasible, conduct brief follow-up interviews to clarify any ambiguous points or deepen understanding.

6. Peer Review

Discussion Groups: Share your findings and interpretations with peers or colleagues for feedback. Their perspectives can help identify biases or assumptions you may have overlooked.

Presentation: Consider presenting your research to a seminar or workshop for constructive criticism.

7. Clear Reporting

Transparent Methodology: In your final report, clearly outline your research methods, participant selection, and data analysis processes. Explain how you ensured confirmability.

Limitations: Acknowledge any limitations in your study that could affect confirmability, such as the small sample size or potential biases.

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance the confirmability of your research findings, ensuring they accurately reflect the views of Hong Kong Generation Z regarding home ownership planning."

My question 3: "Are there then any specific techniques to review and analyze the confirmability audit record and for what specific purpose for a dissertation project in this case?"

The reply from chatgpt: "Certainly! Here are specific techniques to review and analyze the confirmability audit record for in-depth research interviews, along with their purposes in the context of your dissertation project on Hong Kong Generation Z's views on home ownership planning:

1. Content Analysis

Technique: Systematically categorize interview transcripts and field notes to identify patterns, recurring themes, and significant statements related to home ownership planning.

Purpose: To ensure that the findings are grounded in the participants' actual words and experiences, enhancing the objectivity of your interpretations.

2. Coding Framework

Technique: Develop a coding framework based on initial themes or research questions. This framework can be refined as you analyze the data.

Purpose: To organize and systematically analyze the data, ensuring that all relevant aspects of the participants' views are captured and considered.

3. Assessing Audit Trail Completeness

Technique: Review your audit trail for completeness and coherence. Check if all decisions, reflections, and data sources are well-documented.

Purpose: To ensure that every step of the research process is transparent and justifiable, bolstering the credibility of your findings.

4. Reflexive Analysis

Technique: Revisit your reflexive journal and compare your reflections with the data collected. Identify any biases or assumptions that may have influenced your interpretations.

Purpose: To critically assess how your background, beliefs, and emotions may have impacted the research, helping to mitigate bias.

5. Triangulation of Findings

Technique: Compare findings from interviews with other sources of data (e.g., surveys, existing literature) to verify consistency.

Purpose: To confirm that the insights gained from interviews are supported by other data, enhancing the validity of your conclusions.

6. Member Checking Analysis

Technique: After conducting member checking, analyze the feedback provided by participants to identify any discrepancies between your interpretations and their perspectives.

Purpose: To ensure that the participants' views are accurately represented and to refine your analysis based on their insights.

7. Peer Review Sessions

Technique: Organize sessions with peers or advisors to discuss your audit records and findings. Present your analysis and receive constructive feedback.

Purpose: To gain external validation of your interpretations and identify potential blind spots or biases in your analysis.

8. Narrative Comparison

Technique: Compare narratives from different participants to identify commonalities and divergences in their views on home ownership planning.

Purpose: To contextualize individual responses within broader themes and enhance the richness of your analysis.

9. Refinement of Research Questions

Technique: Use insights from the audit trail to refine or adjust your research questions or hypotheses as needed.

Purpose: To ensure that your study remains focused and relevant based on the data that emerges from the interviews.

10. Documentation of Changes and Adjustments

Technique: Keep a detailed record of any changes made to your research design or analysis approach based on the audit review.

Purpose: To demonstrate your responsiveness to the data and your commitment to ensuring the integrity of the research process.

By applying these techniques, you can effectively review and analyze the confirmability audit record from your in-depth interviews, thereby reinforcing the credibility and rigor of your dissertation project."

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