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Reflections on qualitative research: Lessons learned to ensure research integrity
Deidré Pretorius1, Khyati Dama, Michelle Erasmus
1Department of Family Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. deidre.pretorius@wits.ac.za.
Summary
Medical students faced challenges in a qualitative sexual health research project due to insufficient training and deviations from the proposal. Reflection and revised data collection improved research integrity and learning outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Sexual Health Research
Background:
- Medical students' practical training in qualitative research is crucial.
- A study on sexual health encountered issues compromising research integrity.
- Factors included insufficient training, proposal deviations, and contextual elements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reflect on factors compromising research integrity in a student-led qualitative study.
- To detail the process of addressing and learning from research integrity breaches.
- To highlight the role of supervision and student factors in undergraduate research.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative research methodology applied to a sexual health study.
- Semi-structured interviews used for data collection.
- Jasper's reflective cycle employed for critical analysis and improvement.
Main Results:
- Identified insufficient training and deviations from the research proposal as key issues.
- Data analysis revealed flaws impacting the trustworthiness of initial findings.
- A reflective cycle and revised data collection led to improved research processes.
Conclusions:
- Supervision quality and student attitudes significantly influenced the research project.
- Addressing research integrity breaches offers valuable learning opportunities.
- Continuous reflection and adaptation are essential for producing reliable and ethical research.
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