Issues of validity and reliability in qualitative research

Evaluating the quality of research is essential if findings are to be utilised in practice and incorporated into care delivery. In a previous article we explored ‘bias’ across research designs and outlined strategies to minimise bias.1 The aim of this article is to further outline rigour, or the integrity in which a study is conducted, and ensure the credibility of findings in relation to qualitative research. Concepts such as reliability, validity and generalisability typically associated with quantitative research and alternative terminology will be compared in relation to their application to qualitative research. In addition, some of the strategies adopted by qualitative researchers to enhance the credibility of their research are outline

Structural reliability analysis of laminated CMC components

For laminated ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials to realize their full potential in aerospace applications, design methods and protocols are a necessity. The time independent failure response of these materials is focussed on and a reliability analysis is presented associated with the initiation of matrix cracking. A public domain computer algorithm is highlighted that was coupled with the laminate analysis of a finite element code and which serves as a design aid to analyze structural components made from laminated CMC materials. Issues relevant to the effect of the size of the component are discussed, and a parameter estimation procedure is presented. The estimation procedure allows three parameters to be calculated from a failure population that has an underlying Weibull distribution

Scientific Validity and Error Rates: A Short Response to the PCAST Report

This Article was prepared as a companion to the Fordham Law Review Reed Symposium on Forensic Expert Testimony, Daubert, and Rule 702, held on October 27, 2017, at Boston College School of Law. The Symposium took place under the sponsorship of the Judicial Conference Advisory Committee on Evidence Rules. For an overview of the Symposium, see Daniel J. Capra, Foreword: Symposium on Forensic Testimony, Daubert, and Rule 702, 86 Fordham L. Rev. 1459 (2018)

Comparative psychometrics: establishing what differs is central to understanding what evolves

Cognitive abilities cannot be measured directly. What we can measure is individual variation in task performance. In this paper, we first make the case for why we should be interested in mapping individual differences in task performance on to particular cognitive abilities: we suggest that it is crucial for examining the causes and consequences of variation both within and between species. As a case study, we examine whether multiple measures of inhibitory control for non-human animals do indeed produce correlated task performance; however, no clear pattern emerges that would support the notion of a common cognitive ability underpinning individual differences in performance. We advocate a psychometric approach involving a three-step programme to make theoretical and empirical progress: first, we need tasks that reveal signature limits in performance. Second, we need to assess the reliability of individual differences in task performance. Third, multi-trait multi-method test batteries will be instrumental in validating cognitive abilities. Together, these steps will help us to establish what varies between individuals that could impact their fitness and ultimately shape the course of the evolution of animal minds. Finally, we propose executive functions, including working memory, inhibitory control and attentional shifting, as a sensible starting point for this endeavour

Influence of HIV/AIDS Counselling Services on the Quality of Life of Church Members in Selected Churches in Nakuru Municipality, Kenya

Globally and in the Africa continent HIV/AIDS has become a pandemic that has affected more than 34 million people. The world has responded to the pandemic by creating counselling services to improve the quality of life. Churches are increasingly getting involved in HIV/AIDS Counselling Services to help improve the quality of life of church members in Nakuru Municipality. However, no studies have been conducted to assess the influence of HIV/AIDS counselling services on the quality of life of church members in Nakuru Municipality. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of HIV/AIDS counselling services on the quality of life of church members in selected churches in Nakuru Municipality. This research adopted an ex Post facto causal comparative research design. The target population of the study was Shabab Africa Inland Church, Nakuru West -Presbyterian Church of East Africa- and Christ the King Cathedral- Catholic Church in Nakuru Municipality with a population of five thousand, six hundred and forty three (5643) members. Accessible population of 225 respondents was the sample for the study; these included 3 pastors, 27 men, 114 women, 75 youth, and six counsellors. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Experts from the Department of Psychology, Counselling and Educational Foundations were consulted to assess the content, construction and face validity of the questionnaires and a pilot study was conducted in Deliverance Church Nakuru. The reliability of questionnaires was estimated by use of Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient where values above 0.70 were accepted. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) programme. The study recommends and the government in motivating people to get involved in establishing and utilising counselling services to enhance the quality of life of the people in churches in Nakuru County

Developing Student, Family, and School Constructs From NLTS2 Data

The purpose of this study was to use data from the National Longitudinal Transition Study–2 (NLTS2) to (a) conceptually identify and empirically establish student, family, and school constructs; (b) explore the degree to which the constructs can be measured equivalently across disability groups; and (c) examine latent differences (means, variances, and correlations) in the constructs across disability groups. Conceptual analysis of NLTS2 individual survey items yielded 21 student, family, and school constructs, and 16 were empirically supported. Partial strong metric invariance was established across disability groups, and in the latent space, a complex pattern of mean and variance differences across disability groups was found. Disability group moderated the correlational relationships between multiple predictor constructs, suggesting the key role of disability-related characteristics in understanding the experiences of youth with disabilities. Implications for future research and practice are discussed