Aligning epistemology with member checks

Abstract

Thoroughly conceptualized and designed member checks can strengthen credibility in qualitative research. Member checks can help researchers increase accuracy of their findings, reflect on their topic, and create change. Although member checks are widely used, numerous researchers have argued that they are often underdeveloped in terms of design and implementation. Yet, few researchers have examined how differences in epistemology may contribute to discrepancies between participants and researchers. A personal example is described where epistemology and member checking procedures complicated data analysis between a researcher and participant.