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Member checking and Heideggerian phenomenology: a redundant component
Tracy McConnell-Henry1, Ysanne Chapman, Karen Francis
1School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Churchill, Australia.
Nurse Researcher
|February 16, 2011
Summary
Member-checking, often seen as a research standard, conflicts with Heideggerian phenomenology and interpretivism. This study argues it can mask poor interview techniques and suggests alternative data generation strategies for enhanced research rigor.
Area of Science:
- Qualitative Research Methodologies
- Phenomenological Research
- Interpretivism
Background:
- Member-checking is widely adopted as a measure of rigor in qualitative research.
- Its application in Heideggerian phenomenology and interpretivism is philosophically incongruent.
- Potential for member-checking to mask methodological weaknesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- Critique the uncritical application of member-checking in qualitative research.
- Examine the philosophical incompatibility of member-checking with Heideggerian phenomenology.
- Propose alternative strategies for robust data generation in phenomenological studies.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical critique of member-checking within qualitative research paradigms.
- Analysis of methodological congruence in Heideggerian phenomenology.
- Exploration of alternative data generation techniques.
Main Results:
- Member-checking contradicts core tenets of Heideggerian phenomenology and interpretivism.
- The practice may be employed to compensate for inadequate interview skills or methodological understanding.
- Alternative strategies can yield richer data, potentially negating the need for follow-up member-checking.
Conclusions:
- Rethink the universal application of member-checking in qualitative research.
- Emphasize methodological congruence and skilled data generation over post-hoc validation.
- Advocate for approaches aligned with the philosophical underpinnings of specific qualitative methodologies.
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