This guide provides a comprehensive overview of conducting consensual qualitative research (CQR), a rigorous and collaborative approach to exploring complex phenomena. This methodology, increasingly valuable in fields like education, psychology, and counseling, offers a systematic way to analyze qualitative data while ensuring trustworthiness and depth.
Understanding Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR)
Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) is a qualitative data analysis approach that uses the opinions of researchers working together as a team to arrive at an agreement on the meaning of the data.
Informational Search Intent
This article aims to give readers information on how to conduct Consensual Qualitative Research.
Key Concepts and Principles
CQR emphasizes a team-based approach where researchers collaborate to analyze data, reach consensus on interpretations, and ensure the trustworthiness of findings through rigorous procedures. Unlike other qualitative methods that rely heavily on individual interpretation, CQR uses consensual validation to increase the reliability and credibility of the results.
Advantages of Using CQR
- Increased Rigor: The consensus-based approach minimizes individual biases and enhances the validity of the findings.
- Depth of Understanding: Collaborative analysis allows for a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the research topic.
- Enhanced Trustworthiness: The involvement of an auditor and the use of member checking contribute to the trustworthiness and credibility of the study.
I. Designing a CQR Study
Defining the Research Question
Start with a clear, focused research question that is suitable for qualitative exploration. The question should aim to explore the experiences, perspectives, or processes related to a specific phenomenon.
Participant Selection
Choose participants who can provide rich and diverse insights into the research question. Sampling strategies, such as purposeful sampling, may be used to select participants with relevant experiences.
Data Collection Methods
CQR typically involves semi-structured interviews as the primary data collection method. These interviews should be designed to elicit detailed narratives and perspectives from participants. Field notes, documents, and other sources of data can also be included to enrich the analysis.
Ethical Considerations
Ensure that all ethical guidelines are followed, including obtaining informed consent from participants, protecting their confidentiality, and addressing any potential risks associated with their participation.
II. Analyzing Data Using CQR
Team Formation and Training
Assemble a research team with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Provide team members with comprehensive training on CQR methodology, including data coding, consensus building, and the role of the auditor.
Data Preparation
Transcribe all interviews verbatim and prepare the data for analysis. This may involve cleaning up the transcripts and removing any identifying information to protect participant confidentiality.
Domain Identification
The analysis begins with the development of domains, which are broad topic areas related to the research question. Domains are typically based on the interview guide or derived from the initial review of the data.
Core Idea Development
Within each domain, the team identifies core ideas that capture the essence of the participants’ responses. Core ideas should be concise, descriptive, and grounded in the data.
Cross-Analysis
In the cross-analysis phase, the research team examines the core ideas across all participants to identify patterns, themes, and variations in their experiences. This involves developing categories that represent commonalities and differences in the data.
Reaching Consensus
Consensus is a central principle of CQR. The research team must engage in rigorous discussions to reach agreement on the domains, core ideas, and categories. Any disagreements should be resolved through careful consideration of the data and open dialogue.
The Role of the Auditor
An external auditor, who is experienced in qualitative research, reviews the team’s analysis to ensure its accuracy, consistency, and credibility. The auditor provides feedback and challenges the team’s interpretations, helping to strengthen the rigor of the study.
III. Ensuring Trustworthiness in CQR
Member Checking
Share the findings with participants to obtain their feedback on the accuracy and completeness of the analysis. Member checking helps to ensure that the researchers’ interpretations resonate with the participants’ experiences.
Triangulation
Use multiple sources of data, such as interviews, field notes, and documents, to corroborate the findings and enhance their credibility.
Reflexivity
Researchers need to continuously monitor and be aware of their own biases.
Audit Trail
Maintain a detailed record of the research process, including data collection, analysis, and decision-making. This audit trail allows others to evaluate the trustworthiness and transparency of the study.
IV. Example CQR Studies
Example 1: STAC Bullying Bystander Intervention
Johnston, Midgett, Doumas and Moody (2018) utilized consensual qualitative research methodology in their mixed-methods evaluation of the “Aged-Up” STAC Bullying Bystander Intervention for High School Students. Researchers found students spoke about (a) increased awareness of bullying situations, leading to a heightened sense of responsibility to act; (b) a sense of empowerment to take action, resulting in positive feelings; (c) fears related to intervening in bullying situations; and (d) the natural fit of the intervention strategies.
Example 2: School Counselors’ Perceptions of Vicarious Trauma
Parker and Henfield (2014) used consensual qualitative research (CQR) methodology to examine school counselors’ perceptions of vicarious trauma. Three primary domains emerged from the data: (a) ambiguous vicarious trauma, (b) support system significance, and (c) importance of level of experience.
Example 3: Diagnosing Oppositional Defiant Disorder in African American Males
Grimmett, Dunbar, Williams, Clark, Prioleau and Miller (2016) employed a consensual qualitative research (CQR) design to identify, describe and make meaning of the diagnostic processes and outcomes related to ODD. Four domains were identified related to diagnosing ODD: Insurance Influence, Oppositional Defiant Disorder Diagnostic Criteria, Oppositional Defiant Disorder Is Stigmatized and Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment.
V. Conclusion
Consensual Qualitative Research is a valuable methodology for exploring complex phenomena in a rigorous and collaborative manner. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, researchers can conduct CQR studies that yield trustworthy and insightful findings. CQR is unique in qualitative research in that it depends on a team of researchers who have the same opinion in order to code the data. This makes it highly reliable.
References
- Grimmett, M. A., Dunbar, A. S., Williams, T., Clark, C., Prioleau, B., & Miller, J. S. (2016). The process and implications of diagnosing oppositional defiant disorder in African American males. The Professional Counselor, 6(2), 157–171.
- Hill, C. E., Knox, S., Thompson, B. J., Williams, E. N., Hess, S. A., & Ladany, N. (2005). Consensual qualitative research: An update. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 52(2), 196–205.
- Johnston, A. D., Midgett, A., Doumas, D. M., & Moody, S. (2018). A mixed methods evaluation of the “Aged-Up” STAC Bullying Bystander Intervention for High School Students. The Professional Counselor, 8(1), 1–21.
- Parker, M., & Henfield, M. S. (2014). Exploring school counselors’ perceptions of vicarious trauma: A qualitative study. The Professional Counselor, 4(2), 157–171.
