Issues of Validity and Reliability in Quantitative Research: A Review

Reliability, a crucial concept in quantitative research, becomes a significant phenomenon when dealing with case studies that rely heavily on personal perception. However, by employing reliable techniques, researchers can ensure the relevance of their findings for further research. The importance of validity and reliability in educational research cannot be overstated, as these two concepts can significantly impact the outcomes of a study.

As Stake (1994) highlights, there are various types of case studies, including intrinsic case studies that aim to investigate a particular issue or phenomenon. Researchers argue that maintaining the trustworthiness of qualitative research relies on the same issues of validity and reliability as those found in quantitative studies.

The ever-evolving nature of human perception means that research findings should be repeatedly tested by different audiences and observers to prove their reliability. However, some qualitative researchers reject the validity framework commonly accepted in more quantitative research, citing philosophical differences.

This article aims to outline the importance of rigour in qualitative research, ensuring the credibility of findings and minimizing bias. The discussion will also touch on issues of reliability, validity, and ethics in research and writing.

In contrast to quantitative research, which relies heavily on statistical calculations, qualitative research methods do not lend themselves to empirical or mathematical calculations of validity. Therefore, researchers must rely on other strategies to ensure the validity and reliability of their findings.

Notably, while quantitative research may focus on innovation and statistical analysis, qualitative research plays a crucial role in testing the acceptability of innovations, giving it significant weight in reliability testing.

This article will discuss the procedures used to address issues of validity and reliability in qualitative research, highlighting the importance of these concepts in ensuring the credibility and integrity of research findings.

Issues of validity and reliability in quantitative research