A practical guide to reflexivity in qualitative research: AMEE Guide No. 149

<p>Lecturers, request your electronic inspection copy<br> <br> Kathy Charmaz presents the definitive guide to doing grounded theory from a constructivist perspective. This second edition of her groundbreaking text retains the accessibility and warmth of the first edition whilst introducing cutting edge examples and practical tips.<br> <br> This expanded second edition:<br> <br> - explores how to effectively focus on data collection<br> <br> - demonstrates how to use data for theorizing<br> <br> - adds two new chapters that guide you through conducting and analysing interviews in grounded theory <br> <br> - adds a new chapter on symbolic interactionism and grounded theory<br> <br> - considers recent epistemological debates about the place of prior theory<br> <br> - discusses the legacy of Anselm Strauss for grounded theory.</p> <p>This is a seminal title for anyone serious about understanding and doing grounded theory research. </p>

The trustworthiness of results is the bedrock of high quality qualitative research. Member checking, also known as participant or respondent validation, is a technique for exploring the credibility of results. Data or results are returned to participants to check for accuracy and resonance with their experiences. Member checking is often mentioned as one in a list of validation techniques. This simplistic reporting might not acknowledge the value of using the method, nor its juxtaposition with the interpretative stance of qualitative research. In this commentary, we critique how member checking has been used in published research, before describing and evaluating an innovative in-depth member checking technique, Synthesized Member Checking. The method was used in a study with patients diagnosed with melanoma. Synthesized Member Checking addresses the co-constructed nature of knowledge by providing participants with the opportunity to engage with, and add to, interview and interpreted data, several months after their semi-structured interview.