Quantitative Methods for Estimating the Reliability of Qualitative Data

Abstract

Background: Measurement is an indispensable aspect of conducting both quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation. With respect to qualitative research, measurement typically occurs during the coding process. Purpose: This paper presents quantitative methods for determining the reliability of conclusions from qualitative data sources. Although some qualitative researchers disagree with such applications, a link between the qualitative and quantitative fields is successfully established through data collection and coding procedures. Setting: Not applicable. Intervention: Not applicable. Research Design: Case study. Data Collection and Analysis: Narrative data were collected from a random sample of 528 undergraduate students and 28 professors. Findings: The calculation of the kappa statistic, weighted kappa statistic, ANOVA Binary Intraclass Correlation, and Kuder-Richardson 20 is illustrated through a fictitious example. Formulae are presented so that the researcher can calculate these estimators without the use of sophisticated statistical software.

Keywords

• qualitative coding
• qualitative methodology
• reliability coefficients