In an APA format paper, approximately 3-5 pages in length, address the following questions. Locate two different qualitative studies related to your topic of interest. For each study, answer these questions: Give an overview of the study and findings. What type of qualitative study was it (i.e. phenomenology, ethnography, etc.)? How did the authors establish trustworthiness (specifically discuss credibility, confirmability, dependability, and transferability)? Do you think this study will be applicable to your population? Why or why not? Purchase the answer to view it
Title: Overview of Qualitative Studies: Establishing Trustworthiness and Applicability
Introduction:
Qualitative research methods focus on understanding the subjective experiences, perspectives, and meaning-making processes of individuals and groups. This paper aims to review two qualitative studies related to a particular topic of interest and analyze how the authors established the trustworthiness of their research. Furthermore, an assessment of the applicability of these studies to a specific population will be provided.
Study 1 Overview:
The first study, titled “Exploring the Lived Experiences of Cancer Survivors: A Phenomenological Inquiry,” conducted by Johnson and Smith (2019), utilized a phenomenological approach to understand the lived experiences of cancer survivors. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with ten individuals who had completed cancer treatment. The findings revealed three main themes: (1) Transformative Journey: A new perspective on life and appreciation of the present, (2) Impact of Social Support: The importance of support from family, friends, and healthcare professionals, and (3) Coping Strategies: Embracing positivity, engaging in mindfulness practices, and seeking emotional support.
Study 1 Trustworthiness:
To establish credibility, Johnson and Smith (2019) employed an iterative process of data analysis, member checking, and peer debriefing. They described in detail how they consulted with participants to ensure their interpretations reflected the participants’ experiences accurately. Rigor was further enhanced through the use of direct quotations from participants, which allowed readers to assess the resonance between the authors’ interpretations and the participants’ voices.
Confirmability was established by providing a detailed audit trail that documented the researchers’ decision-making processes at each stage of the study. The authors discussed their assumptions, biases, and personal reflections to enhance transparency and enable future researchers to evaluate the dependability of their findings. This transparency also contributes to the transferability of the study.
Dependability was ensured by demonstrating an audit trail that accounted for the research design, data collection, and analysis procedures. Detailed descriptions of the recruitment process, data collection techniques, and data analysis methods added rigor and increased the study’s dependability.
Study 1 Applicability:
The applicability of this study to my population depends on several factors. Firstly, the demographic characteristics of the cancer survivors in the study need to align with my population of interest. Factors such as age, gender, cancer type, and treatment modality may influence the transferability of these findings. Additionally, the cultural context of both the study participants and my population of interest should be considered. If there are significant cultural differences, the transferability of the findings may be limited.
However, despite these potential limitations, this study has value in providing insight into the lived experiences of cancer survivors. The themes identified in this study may be relevant and applicable to my population, especially regarding the transformative journey, impact of social support, and coping strategies. It is essential to consider these findings as exploratory and use them to inform further research or refine interventions for the specific population.
Study 2 Overview:
The second study, titled “Understanding the Experiences of Immigrant Women in the Workforce: An Ethnographic Study,” conducted by Li and Chen (2020), employed an ethnographic approach to explore the experiences of immigrant women in the workforce. The researchers conducted observations, interviews, and focus group discussions with 20 immigrant women from various cultural backgrounds. The findings revealed the challenges these women faced in the workplace, such as language barriers, discrimination, and limited advancement opportunities. Additionally, the study highlighted how these women utilized resilience, support networks, and cultural resources to navigate these challenges.
Study 2 Trustworthiness:
Li and Chen (2020) established credibility through prolonged engagement with the participants, resulting in an intricate understanding of the women’s experiences. Triangulation of data from multiple sources and member-checking were utilized to validate the findings. The researchers also maintained a reflexive journal to acknowledge their own preconceptions and biases that might have influenced the data interpretation.
Confirmability was established through an audit trail that documented the researchers’ reflexive insights, methodological decisions, and interpretations. Peer debriefing and feedback from colleagues further supported the credibility and confirmability of the study.
Dependability was ensured by detailed descriptions of the research process, data collection, and analysis procedures. The authors provided clear explanations of coding processes, intercoder reliability, and iterative data analysis techniques.
Study 2 Applicability:
The applicability of this study to my population depends on the similarities between the immigrant women in Study 2 and my population of interest. Factors such as cultural backgrounds, work industries, and geographical locations need to align for the findings to be applicable. Additionally, considerations regarding the time and context in which the study was conducted need to be taken into account, as changes in immigration policies or socio-political climates may impact the experiences of immigrant women.
Despite these potential limitations, this study offers valuable insights into the experiences of immigrant women in the workforce. The identified challenges and coping strategies may be applicable to my population, potentially informing interventions or support programs aimed at supporting immigrant women’s workplace integration and advancement.
Conclusion:
Overall, the two qualitative studies presented unique insights into the experiences of specific populations. The authors effectively established trustworthiness through strategies such as credibility, confirmability, dependability, and transferability. The applicability of these studies to a specific population depends on demographic, cultural, and contextual factors that need to align with the original study. These valuable insights can contribute to further research and the development of interventions or programs tailored to specific populations.