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Case Study

Based on the case context, explain how the reviewer's critiques align with the three standard criticisms of qualitative research, and explain the general strategy qualitative researchers use to handle such criticisms.

Case context: A psychologist conducts a qualitative study examining the experience of trauma in five survivors of a unique localized incident. A quantitative reviewer critiques the study, arguing that the researcher's personal involvement biased the findings, that it is unclear how to evaluate the study's validity, and that the results cannot be applied to trauma survivors elsewhere.

Question: Based on the case context, explain how the reviewer's critiques align with the three standard criticisms of qualitative research, and explain the general strategy qualitative researchers use to handle such criticisms.

Sample answer: The reviewer's critiques correspond to: (1) a lack of objectivity (alleging researcher bias), (2) the difficulty of systematically evaluating reliability and validity, and (3) a lack of generalizability beyond the five individuals. Qualitative researchers are aware of these concerns and handle them by applying specific frameworks designed to address these issues.

Key points:

  • The critique of researcher bias represents the criticism of lacking objectivity.
  • The critique of unclear validity evaluation represents the difficulty in systematically evaluating reliability and validity.
  • The critique of not being applicable to other survivors represents the limitation of generalizability.
  • Qualitative researchers recognize and are aware of these criticisms.
  • Qualitative researchers address these issues using specific methodological frameworks.

Rubric: Students must identify and explain how the reviewer's points match the three standard criticisms (objectivity, evaluation of reliability/validity, and generalizability) and comprehend that qualitative researchers address these concerns through specific developed frameworks.

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Updated 2026-05-26

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Research Methods in Psychology - 4th American Edition @ KPU

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