The State of Qualitative Reliability in Mixed Methods Research

• In Event: Achieving Quality in Mixed Methods Research: Examining Research Contexts and Methods

Abstract

This proposed paper presents a meta-analysis of the uses of qualitative forms of reliability (such as interrater or intra-rater reliability) in mixed methods research. This meta-analysis shows that such reliability measures are relatively common in mixed methods work, but ways of reporting these measures vary greatly. What is reported differs wildly across articles, and there even seems to be little consensus on what to call these methods. Several examples from a case study of a particular interrater reliability process are presented to show why mixed methods studies that use qualitative reliability procedures should be cautious in interpreting them and more rigorous in reporting them.

Author

• Marcus B. Weaver-Hightower, University of North Dakota