Qualitative Quality: Eight “Big-Tent” Criteria for Excellent Qualitative Research

TLDR

The article contextualizes and rationalizes a new model of qualitative research quality, emphasizing openness to dialogue, imagination, growth, and improvisation. The article aims to present an expansive, flexible model that distinguishes between the means (methods and practices) and ends of qualitative research. The model is built around eight key markers—worthy topic, rich rigor, sincerity, credibility, resonance, significant contribution, ethics, and meaningful coherence—that the author presents and explores. The eight‑point conceptualization serves as a pedagogical model and establishes a common language of qualitative best practices recognized by diverse audiences.

Abstract

This article presents a model for quality in qualitative research that is uniquely expansive, yet flexible, in that it makes distinctions among qualitative research’s means (methods and practices) and its ends. The article first provides a contextualization and rationale for the conceptualization. Then the author presents and explores eight key markers of quality in qualitative research including (a) worthy topic, (b) rich rigor, (c) sincerity, (d) credibility, (e) resonance, (f) significant contribution, (g) ethics, and (h) meaningful coherence. This eight-point conceptualization offers a useful pedagogical model and provides a common language of qualitative best practices that can be recognized as integral by a variety of audiences. While making a case for these markers of quality, the article leaves space for dialogue, imagination, growth, and improvisation.