ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses validity and reliability in quantitative, qualitative, naturalistic and mixed methods research. It suggests that both of these terms can be applied to these different types of research, though how validity and reliability are addressed in different approaches varies. The chapter indicates how validity and reliability are addressed, using different instruments for data collection. The chapter proceeds in several stages:
defining validityOO validity in quantitative and qualitative researchOO types of validityOO triangulationOO validity in mixed methods researchOO ensuring validityOO reliabilityOO reliability in quantitative and qualitative researchOO validity and reliability in interviews, experiments, OO questionnaires, observations, tests and life histories
There are many different types of validity and reliability. Threats to validity and reliability can never be erased completely; rather the effects of these threats can be attenuated by attention to validity and reliability throughout a piece of research. It is suggested that reliability is a necessary but insufficient condition for validity in research; reliability is a necessary precondition of validity, and validity may be a sufficient but not necessary condition for reliability. Brock-Utne (1996: 612) contends that the widely held view that reliability is the sole preserve of quantitative research has to be exploded, and this chapter demonstrates the significance of her view.
