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must take into account with the reliability of the research while designing a study,
analysing the results and judging the quality of the study (Golafshani, 2003).
Specifically with qualitative research, examination of trustworthiness is crucial, from
the process of designing the study and to judging the quality of the study.
‘Trustworthiness of a research report lies at the heart of issues conventionally
discussed as validity and reliability’ (Golafshani, 2003, p. 601). However, during the
research process there will always be threats to the reliability of the study, four have
been identified by Robson (2002). These errors involve the participants and the
observer. They can be divided into the following four threats (Saunders et al., 2009):
1. Participant error;
2. Participant bias;
3. Observer error;
4. Observer bias.
Depending on the research question any of these four issues can become an issue.
However, they can be prevented if the qualitative interview questions are regulated,
similar and the interviews are held under similar circumstances.
The reliability concerns with, the consistency of the data collection and analysis
(Saunders et al., 2009, p. 156). A bigger and more divers sample group can help to
increase the reliability. To increase the reliability of the inductive data, the mentions
per category 4 are published in the appendix. This gives transparency of the
information that is used to draw conclusions. By showing the gathered primary data,
the bias of the research will be reduced and the reliability will therefore increase.
Interpreting the data must be regulated also, insuring the similar aspects to come out
of the interviews. The below checklist was used during the study to ensure reliability
in the study:
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4 The file containing all the transcripts was over hundred pages long, therefore is has been decided,
not to included this file. Transcripts are available on request.
Elmar Hoogendoorn 54
Sustainable Microfinance