How do researchers ensure the validity of their qualitative research?

The correct answer focuses on techniques like triangulation and member checks, which are essential for ensuring the validity of qualitative research. Validity in qualitative research refers to the credibility and trustworthiness of the findings. Triangulation involves using multiple sources of data, methods, or perspectives to cross-verify information, which strengthens the study's conclusions. By combining different types of data or viewpoints, researchers can better capture the complexity of the phenomenon under study and provide a more comprehensive understanding.

Member checks involve having participants review the findings or interpretations of the research to confirm their accuracy and resonance with the participants’ views and experiences. This process helps to identify any misunderstandings or misinterpretations, bolstering the validity of the results.

Limiting participant numbers does not necessarily ensure validity, as it can result in a lack of depth or breadth in the data collected. A single-case study approach might offer rich data but could face issues with generalizability and may not always provide a complete picture. Statistical analysis, while valuable in quantitative research, is not typically applicable to qualitative methodologies where the focus is on understanding context, meaning, and subjective experiences rather than on quantifying and analyzing numerical data.