Using Thick Description to Demonstrate Trustworthiness in Qualitative Research

As a qualitative research mentor, one of the areas I see clients struggle with is establishing the trustworthiness of their studies. Qualitative research has many avenues through which trustworthiness can be established, including member checking, triangulation, and peer debriefing. One method that many clients overlook is thick description.

What is Thick Description?

Thick description is a qualitative research methodology that seeks to provide detailed accounts of social phenomena, including cultural practices, social interactions, and symbolic meanings. It was introduced by anthropologist Clifford Geertz in his book, The Interpretation of Cultures, and has since become a popular method in various fields of social science. It involves gathering a vast amount of information about a particular phenomenon under investigation and analyzing it in detail to uncover its hidden meanings and nuances. Thick description has become increasingly popular among researchers. It allows them to generate rich and comprehensive descriptions of complex social phenomena. In this essay, we will discuss why a researcher should use thick description to demonstrate trustworthiness.

Provides a Detailed Account of Research Context

Thick description enables researchers to provide a detailed account of their research context. A thick description offers a comprehensive understanding of the cultural, social, and historical context in which the research is conducted. Understanding the broader context of the research and avoiding misrepresentation or contextual errors in the results is essential, making this information crucial. By providing a detailed account of the research context, researchers can demonstrate their credibility and build trust with their audience.

Helps Identify and Avoid Potential Biases

Thick description also can help to identify and avoid potential biases. When conducting qualitative research, the researcher’s own experiences, beliefs, and assumptions can influence the interpretation of the data. However, by using thick description, researchers can uncover their own biases and challenge their assumptions. This process helps to ensure that the data analysis is objective and grounded in the evidence. Thereby increasing the trustworthiness of the research.

Identifies Unique Features of a Phenomenon

Additionally, thick description allows for the identification of the unique features of a particular case or phenomenon. By analyzing the data in detail, researchers can identify the specific aspects of a phenomenon that are important and unique. This information helps to contextualize the research findings and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon under investigation. By identifying the unique features of a phenomenon, researchers can demonstrate their expertise and build trust with their audience.

Explores Complexity and Diversity of a Phenomenon

Thick description allows for the exploration of the complexity and diversity of a phenomenon. Qualitative data is often complex and diverse, and it can be difficult to capture the full range of experiences and perspectives in a single study. However, by using thick description, researchers can explore the nuances and complexities of the data and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. This process helps to ensure that the research is grounded in the evidence and is not oversimplified, thereby increasing its trustworthiness.

Provides a Detailed Account of Research Methods

Thick description enables researchers to provide a detailed account of their research methods. Qualitative research often lacks well-defined or standardized research methods. This can lead to questions about the validity and reliability of the research. However, by providing a detailed account of their research methods, researchers can demonstrate their rigor and transparency. This information helps to build trust with the audience and increase the credibility of the research.

Explores Subjective Experiences of Research Participants

Finally, thick description allows for the exploration of the subjective experiences of the research participants. Exploring the subjective experiences of research participants is often the focus of qualitative research, which quantitative studies may find difficult to capture. However, by using thick description, researchers can explore the subjective experiences of the participants and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon under investigation. This process helps to ensure that the research is grounded in the evidence and is not oversimplified, thereby increasing its trustworthiness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, thick description is a research methodology that can enhance the trustworthiness of qualitative data. By providing a detailed account of the research context, identifying and avoiding potential biases, exploring the unique features of a phenomenon, exploring the complexity and diversity of a phenomenon, providing a detailed account of research methods, and exploring the subjective experiences of the research participants, researchers can demonstrate their expertise and build trust with their audience. Therefore, it is essential for researchers to use thick description to ensure the trustworthiness of their research findings.

References

Geertz, C. (1973). The Interpretation of Cultures: Selected Essays. Basic Books.
Rouse, R. (1989). Making Sense of Ethnography: A Critique of Clifford Geertz’s Interpretation of Culture. New Literary History, 20(3), 591-611.