What does “member checking” refer to in qualitative research?

Member checking is a critical component of qualitative research that involves engaging research participants to confirm the findings of the study. This process ensures that the interpretations and conclusions drawn by the researcher are accurate and reflect the participants' experiences and perspectives. By allowing participants to review and provide feedback on the findings, researchers can gain insights into their validity and relevance, making adjustments as necessary to adequately represent the participants' voices.

This practice is particularly important in qualitative research due to its interpretative nature. It acknowledges that the researcher's perspective may not fully encapsulate the participants' views, and member checking provides an opportunity to rectify any misunderstandings. The engagement fosters trust and enhances the credibility of the research by ensuring that the conclusions resonate with those who provided the data.

The other options reflect different practices that are not specifically described by the term "member checking." For instance, verifying data with external researchers pertains to cross-verifying findings with other professionals but does not involve the original participants. Conducting peer reviews relates to the critique of research within the academic community, which again is distinct from engaging with participants. Utilizing control groups is a method mainly applicable in quantitative research and experimental designs, not qualitative approaches where member checking is most relevant.