Validation Proposal for Qualitative Research Scripts (Vali-Quali)

Abstract

Through the “garbage in, garbage out” dynamics, it is assumed that a protocol of reliable research tools is a key component for obtaining high-quality data. The lack of transparency, the methodological inconsistency, and the absence of validity criteria in qualitative studies point to a gap that has yet to be overcome. The purpose of the paper is to propose a new guideline for the validation of qualitative research: Validation for Qualitative Research Scripts (Vali-Quali), which can be applied in structured interviews, semi-structured interviews, and scripts for focal groups. The proposal comprises two dimensions, content and semantics, with four attributes: alignment among objectives, adherence to constructs, explicitness, and qualitative expectancy. Between rigor and flexibility, six steps are outlined: design of the initial script, validation by judges, results overview, pretest, validated script and theoretical-empirical script. This paper proposes that the validation process goes beyond the method itself, and stimulates researchers to reflect, exercise their autonomy, and support their choices with the academic rigor that all scientific research must present.