Here is a common peer review problem in qualitative research I sent to authors recently: "Only 8 long stories in the results section give little context, connection, and weaving of a broader narrative. With 8 interviewees (24 hours of contact), the qualitative section lacks rich, thick descriptions." Sadly, the article was rejected. Quotes and the original language are important for the readers to see, feel, and hear the respondents. Yet, many doctoral students and researchers do not understand the use of quotes. Here are 4 points:
If themes are prevalent and developed, there should be many instances in the data to support the findings. "Thick, rich descriptions," the term coined by Clifford Geertz, means the readers get a 360-degree view of the phenomenon/phenomena researched. One way to do accomplish thick, rich descriptions is by providing direct evidence via quotes.
Avoid long quotes, quote tables, and quotes with little explanation. Why? No one wants to read paragraphs of quotes without clear explanation and use. Also, it is intellectually lazy to just plop long quotes or tables or quotes without a clear connection to the research and results. Read the following: Anderson, C. (2010). Presenting and evaluating qualitative research. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 74(8).; Eldh, A. C., Årestedt, L., & Berterö, C. (2020). Quotations in qualitative studies: Reflections on constituents, custom, and purpose. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 19, 1609406920969268.).
Every quote should be connected to analysis; the data never speaks for itself. Some long quotes can be used, but providing snippets, smaller vignettes, and comparing/contrasting would be much more helpful. Quotes should tell a story and show the reader support for decisions in reporting themes, categories, and codes. There should also be examples of data that do not fit or were contradictory.
Show, do not tell. Instead of stating only a theme, demonstrate the theme through the strategic use of quotes, paraphrases, and examples.
Dr. David Coker received advanced training in qualitative research from Indiana University-Bloomington and has presented and published on qualitative research, especially for doctoral students. Dr. Coker is a prolific author, researcher, and experienced research methodologist. He is the CEO of DissertationPro, which offers comprehensive services to complete your dissertation. Besides teaching K-12 and graduate school, he regularly consults and peer reviews research articles nationally and internationally. He can be reached on LinkedIn as well. Originally published at Dissertation Pro.
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