Researchers are responsible for choosing valid and reliable methodology to address the questions addressing relevant issues some groups of people face. Researchers try to remain unbiased when doing research, which can be difficult to attain. The data collection process has certain challenges, and the researcher has to be careful in managing information. For instance, the collection of data requires careful consideration, and the researcher has to make sure that complete data has been received that can suffice for drawing conclusions (Johnson et al., 2019). In qualitative studies, the researcher has to identify the saturation point to make sure that the gathered information is sufficient and it is not superfluous (DeJonckheere & Vaughn, 2019). It is also critical to ensure proper management of the obtained scope of data (proper storage, arrangement, analysis).
The researcher is also responsible for ensuring that the study is consistent with the existing ethical standards. The Belmont Report is often seen as one of the guiding sets of principles that have to be used by any researcher (Kimmelman, 2020). The report was created as a response to the infamous Tuskegee Syphilis Study when people did not receive treatment or were even infected to examine the outcomes of the absence of treatment in people with syphilis. In order to prevent any unethical conduct and any potentially harmful behaviors, the researcher follows the standards highlighted in the report. The primary principles to follow are beneficence, respect, and justice (DeJonckheere & Vaughn, 2019). People should not be exposed to any harm, and they have to be fully informed about potential hazards.
As mentioned above, researchers can hardly remain unbiased when exploring any issue or phenomenon. All people’s (including researchers’) actions and choices are affected by their values, background, and worldview (Darwin Holmes, 2020). In order to mitigate and minimize these influences, researchers can and should implement self-reflection when doing research. Reflexivity is instrumental in understanding potential areas where personal bias can affect research. The researcher should describe these biases and their potential effects in detail in order to trace any influences and distortions when collecting data or during any other stage of study implementation (Amin et al., 2020). The researcher should always review different types of methods other scholars exploit to make sure that the most appropriate techniques are used.
Interviewing is a common data collection method employed in qualitative research as it enables the researcher to obtain a bulk of data on the studied concept or phenomenon. Interview protocols help researchers to ensure that the chosen procedures are consistent with the objectives of the study, established research questions, as well as the existing norms and standards (DeJonckheere & Vaughn, 2019). Interview protocols should be used to enhance the study’s trustworthiness, which implies the use of a rigorous methodology (Rashid et al., 2019). The researcher will make sure that the interviews are properly constructed, and the participants will be concentrated on the areas under study without being distracted, so only relevant data will be collected.
In conclusion, it is possible to note that the role of the researcher in data collection (as well as other stages of research implementation) is to ensure the use of the rigorous methodology. They should also minimize any possible bias that could have an influence on the research process or findings. Researchers should make sure that their personal experiences, values, and beliefs do not have an impact on the way the study is implemented.
References
Amin, M. E. K., Nørgaard, L. S., Cavaco, A. M., Witry, M. J., Hillman, L., Cernasev, A., & Desselle, S. P. (2020). Establishing trustworthiness and authenticity in qualitative pharmacy research. Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy, 16(10), 1472-1482.
Darwin Holmes, A. G. (2020). Researcher positionality – A consideration of its influence and place in qualitative research – A new researcher guide. Shanlax International Journal of Education, 8(4), 1-10.
DeJonckheere, M., & Vaughn, L. M. (2019). Semistructured interviewing in primary care research: A balance of relationship and rigour. Family Medicine and Community Health, 7(2), 1-8.
Johnson, R. E., Grove, A. L., & Clarke, A. (2019). Pillar integration process: A joint display technique to integrate data in mixed methods research. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 13(3), 301-320.
Kimmelman, J. (2020). What is human research for? reflections on the omission of scientific integrity from the Belmont Report. Perspectives in Biology and Medicine, 63(2), 251-261.
Rashid, Y., Rashid, A., Warraich, M. A., Sabir, S. S., & Waseem, A. (2019). Case study method: A step-by-step guide for business researchers. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 18, 1-13.