Auditing

Methods of Auditing in Qualitative Research

Auditing of a qualitative study involves oversight and, at a minimum, review of the conduct of the study and the conclusions developed by investigators. There are numerous ways in which an audit can be carried out in a qualitative study. Variations include who serves as auditor, when the auditing process is initiated, how often auditing occurs, and the extent of the actual audit.

Internal Auditing

Auditing can be conducted on an internal basis in which members of the research team provide a system of checks and balances for each other. This process can promote consistency in the research process and can serve to identify, and subsequently decrease, the bias of any particular team members involved in the research. An internal audit can involve an exchange of documentation for review by other members of the team who can examine decisions and analytic processes associated with the research. An internal audit may be very useful in multisite studies where it is important to ensure consistency in the research process across the various settings. These activities enhance the research but might not provide sufficient evidence of rigor as is typically sought through a more formal or external audit.

External Auditing

Auditing conducted on an external basis involves formal and systematic review carried out by people with no vested interest or involvement in the conduct of the research. An external auditor typically is a researcher who is knowledgeable in the processes of qualitative research and who may or may not have expertise in the subject matter involved in the research. In the typical qualitative study, auditing can be accomplished quite easily by enlisting the assistance of an experienced yet objective colleague, with the investigator presenting and defending decision making to that individual. The colleague also can review raw data, notes, logs, journals, and other materials associated with the study. This process is referred to as peer debriefing, although it accomplishes the same goal as an audit.

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