[Methodological quality of qualitative studies--potential measures].

Abstract

Methodological quality of scientific research is argumentative persuasiveness of the conclusions of the research. Aspects of methodological quality are: methodological objectivity (including reliability, validity, subjectivity and intersubjectivity), generalizability, and, regarding action-oriented research, action-rationality. Values, which are only partly of a methodological nature, are: transferability, utilization-value, implementary value and participatory value. Concerning each of these norms and values a variety of measures to promote methodological quality in qualitative inquiry are discussed.