A brief discussion of the Total Quality Framework, a paradigm-neutral, flexible approach utilizing quality principles to develop qualitative research designs that are credible, analyzable, transparent, and useful

1. Qualitative Research
What is the
Total Quality Framework?
Adapted from Applied Qualitative Research Design: A Total Quality Framework Approach
(Roller, M.R. & Lavrakas, P. J., 2015. New York: Guilford Press)

2. What is the TQF?

3. What is the TQF?
What is the Total Quality Framework? ● Adapted from Applied Qualitative Research Design: A Total Quality Framework Approach
(Roller, M.R. & Lavrakas, P. J., 2015. New York: Guilford Press) 2

4.  Scope
 Coverage
• Working with complete & accurate lists.
 Sample design
• Representativeness of participants to the target
population (fair & balanced representation).
• Sorting (stratifying) the list when relevant
characteristics are known.
• Systematic, random selection across the entire list.
 Nonresponse
• Strategies to gain access to & cooperation from
participants.
Credibility
What is the TQF?
What is the Total Quality Framework? ● Adapted from Applied Qualitative Research Design: A Total Quality Framework Approach
(Roller, M.R. & Lavrakas, P. J., 2015. New York: Guilford Press) 3

5.  Data Gathering
 Content/information obtained
• Interviewer, moderator guide.
• Observation guide & grid.
 Researcher effects
• Interviewer, moderator, observer bias.
– Reflexive journal
• Interviewer, moderator, observer inconsistency.
– Training
 Participant effects
• Willingness/ability to provide information.
– Building rapport
• Altering behavior (Hawthorne effect).
– Post-observation debriefing
Credibility (continued)
What is the TQF?
What is the Total Quality Framework? ● Adapted from Applied Qualitative Research Design: A Total Quality Framework Approach
(Roller, M.R. & Lavrakas, P. J., 2015. New York: Guilford Press) 4

6. What is the TQF?

7. What is the TQF?
What is the Total Quality Framework? ● Adapted from Applied Qualitative Research Design: A Total Quality Framework Approach
(Roller, M.R. & Lavrakas, P. J., 2015. New York: Guilford Press) 6

8.  Processing
 Transcriptions
• Qualities of the transcriptionist.
 Coding
• Computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software
(CAQDAS).
– Can be useful but it is not sufficient.
• Intercoder reliability.
(continued)
Analyzability
What is the TQF?
What is the Total Quality Framework? ● Adapted from Applied Qualitative Research Design: A Total Quality Framework Approach
(Roller, M.R. & Lavrakas, P. J., 2015. New York: Guilford Press) 7

9.  Processing (continued)
 Making sense of the data
• Selecting the unit of analysis.
• Developing unique codes.
• Coding.
• Identifying categories.
• Identifying themes or patterns.
• Drawing interpretations & implications from the data.
Analyzability (continued)
What is the TQF?
What is the Total Quality Framework? ● Adapted from Applied Qualitative Research Design: A Total Quality Framework Approach
(Roller, M.R. & Lavrakas, P. J., 2015. New York: Guilford Press) 8

10.  Verification
 Add meaning & depth to the data to better inform
researcher’s interpretations & recommendations
 Evidence to support/refute findings
 Types:
• Peer debriefings
• Triangulation
• Deviant cases
• Reflexive journal
Analyzability (continued)
What is the TQF?
What is the Total Quality Framework? ● Adapted from Applied Qualitative Research Design: A Total Quality Framework Approach
(Roller, M.R. & Lavrakas, P. J., 2015. New York: Guilford Press) 9

11. What is the TQF?

12. What is the TQF?

13. What is the TQF?
What is the Total Quality Framework? ● Adapted from Applied Qualitative Research Design: A Total Quality Framework Approach
(Roller, M.R. & Lavrakas, P. J., 2015. New York: Guilford Press) 12

14.  “Thick description” of details in the final document
 Give consumers of the research what they need to:
• Understand the people &/or phenomena under
investigation.
• Assign value to the interpretations & recommendations.
• Evaluate the transferability to other contexts.
 Types of information to include:
• Comprehensiveness of the lists for sampling.
• Rationale for the number of research events (e.g., IDIs).
• Nonresponse, problems in gaining cooperation.
• Decisions in the field that altered the design or objectives.
• Operational logistics (e.g., group facility, observers).
• Transcription, coding, & verification processes.
• Researcher’s field notes, reflexive journal.
Transparency
What is the TQF?
What is the Total Quality Framework? ● Adapted from Applied Qualitative Research Design: A Total Quality Framework Approach
(Roller, M.R. & Lavrakas, P. J., 2015. New York: Guilford Press) 13

15. What is the TQF?

16. What is the TQF?

17. What is the TQF?