Peer Debriefing

Peer debriefing, also called analytic triangulation, is the process whereby a researcher calls upon a disinterested peer—a peer who is not involved in the research project—to aid in probing the researcher's thinking around all or parts of the research process. This probing includes, but is not limited to, methodology, interpretation, and analysis of data. As such, it is regarded as one of a complement of techniques used to enhance the credibility and trustworthiness of qualitative research through the use of external peers. It is often compared to or paralleled with internal validity in quantitative research. Although there is no prescribed set of procedures in peer debriefing, a primary aim is a more complete exploration and explication by the researcher of his or her values and interests and how these might come to bear on the conduct, interpretation, and analysis of the research project.

Of primary importance to peer debriefing is the selection of a peer debriefer(s) who is able to meaningfully interrogate the research both substantively and methodologically. For example, it is imperative that a qualitative researcher skillfully negotiate political and ethical concerns that may arise as he or she conducts research. This skill is especially critical to studies that are dependent upon rapport and relationships established with participants in the field. A peer debriefer may help the researcher in considering and weighing alternative responses to sensitive situations and thus potentially refiguring subsequent steps in the emergent methodological design. Alternatively, researchers may find themselves confronted with issues of substance—in defining and considering what is of importance to the study, for example. In such cases, peer debriefers familiar with the area of study may probe the researcher's thought around what is relevant to the study, why it is relevant, and suggest alternatives that might precipitate new insights. Accordingly, it is important that a peer debriefer has knowledge of the phenomenon under study as well as knowledge of qualitative methodology.

Other important considerations in the selection of a peer debriefer are the degree of trust between researcher and peer debriefer, relations of authority, and concerns related to confidentiality and responsibility regarding protection of research participants. Each consideration influences how much a researcher may be willing or able to reveal and how deeply a peer debriefer is willing to probe.

Peer debriefing may also serve as a process whereby researchers and peer debriefers critically interrogate emerging theories. As researchers begin to make sense of data, peer debriefers may help to clarify interpretations and challenge researcher assumptions contributing to the credibility of the findings, analyses, and conclusions drawn. Further, peer debriefing may serve a therapeutic function. The conduct of research, especially prolonged research, often becomes challenging psychologically and emotionally. Peer debriefers who are able to listen sympathetically may provide an additional measure of soundness to the research.