Criteria and strategies of quality and rigor in qualitative research

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to discuss strategies to support the operationalization of criteria that ensure quality and rigor in qualitative research. It is a theoretical reflection on the criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability proposed as one of the ways to ensure rigor in qualitative research. These criteria were proposed based on an analogy with criteria historically used in qualitative research, considering the specificities of naturalistic research. They must be considered throughout the research process, from its conception to data analysis. However, it is undeniable how challenging it is to consolidate the use of these criteria, as it implies a deep and intense involvement of the researcher with produced data, in a continuum of processes that evoke creativity, flexibility, critical-reflexive capacity, in addition to ethical principles.