member check

a procedure used in qualitative research whereby a researcher returns to a participant and requests feedback on his or her original responses as recorded and sometimes on their interpretation by others. Conducting a member check is intended to ensure the accuracy and internal validity of a qualitative study. However, some researchers question the merit of the process, viewing it as inconsistent with qualitative research in that it assumes participants’ experiences are objective and finite. Also called member validation; respondent validation.

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Psychology term of the day

December 26th 2024

morbid dependency

excessive reliance on or need for another person or situation such that the dependent person has difficulty functioning independently. See dependency need.