Appraisal of Qualitative Studies

Abstract

The appraisal of health research is an essential skill required of readers in order to determine the extent to which the findings may inform evidence-based policy and practice. The appraisal of qualitative research remains highly contentious, and there is a lack of consensus regarding a standard approach to appraising qualitative studies. Different guides and tools are available for the critical appraisal of qualitative research. While these guides propose different criteria for assessment, overarching principles of rigor have been widely adopted, and these include credibility, dependability, confirmability, transferability, and reflexivity. This chapter will discuss the importance of appraising qualitative research, the principles and techniques for establishing rigor, and future directions regarding the use of guidelines to appraise qualitative research.