How to Enhance Qualitative Research Appraisal: Development of the Methodological Congruence Instrument

Author(s)

Annette M. Willgens, Daemen CollegeFollow
Robin Cooper, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Doles Jadotte, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Bruce V. Lilyea, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow
Cynthia L. Langtiw, The Chicago School of Professional PsychologyFollow
Alice Obenchain-Leeson, Averett UniversityFollow

ORCID ID

0000-0002-0528-3041

Publication Title

The Qualitative Report

ISSN

1052-0147

Publication Date

12-2016

Abstract

In this research report, we introduce a methodological congruence instrument (MCI) that addresses the five major qualitative research traditions. Methodological congruence is a "fit" between the researcher's chosen methodology and his/her philosophical perspective. The chosen methodology should be aligned with the research question, data collection and sampling procedures, philosophical perspectives and seminal authors, data analysis, and findings. These elements are contained in the MCI. We share information about its inception, development, and application, and invite our research colleagues to offer critical feedback. It is our hope that qualitative researchers, editorial board members, teachers, and students find this instrument helpful and relevant to the application of qualitative research. As the qualitative research community continues to address questions of quality, the MCI may offer an additional layer of transparency that engenders scholarly discussion and furthers ethical writing, production, and publication.

Volume

21

Issue

12

First Page

2380

Last Page

2395

NSUWorks Citation

Willgens, A. M., Cooper, R., Jadotte, D., Lilyea, B. V., Langtiw, C. L., & Obenchain-Leeson, A. (2016). How to Enhance Qualitative Research Appraisal: Development of the Methodological Congruence Instrument. The Qualitative Report, 21 (12), 2380-2395. Retrieved from https://nsuworks.nova.edu/shss_facarticles/326