Definition of research rigour depends on the frame a particular research is based on. While undertaking case of critical research, researchers should maintain their focus on the objectives of the research being carried out. Rigorous research is excellent compared to other types of study; however, it is important to establish the motive behind each study.
Rigour is mostly constructed between a person carrying out research and another one reading it. In simple terms, it means that a rigorous research is one that suits the reader. In such cases, it is the readers who ascertain the criteria for classifying research works. This paper looks into different types of rigour, including theoretical, methodological, procedural, interpretative and evaluative rigours and explains how they can be achieved.
Theoretical rigour refers to congruence surrounded by epistemological and theoretical frameworks, and the methods used to conduct various researches. To achieve rigour, it is important that a researcher establishes a theoretical position in the management of a project. It is inappropriate to apply interpretative content to the objectivity or epistemology when conducting research.
To achieve harmony in research, various aspects of the study should harmonize with each other. To achieve the desired theoretical rigour, it is important that the theoretical framework, also referred to as the phenomenology, is drawn from a touch of symbolic interaction and hermeneutics perceptions of research. To achieve a good sense of rigour, the research should follow traditional chains of epistemology methods.
Methodological rigour is a combination of various methods. When several types of rigour are combined, a methodological triangulation is formed. Methodological rigour mostly depends on personal choice, which acts as a guide for scholars as they undertake research.
In order to achieve a method that best suits research conditions, a semi-structured method of viewing research methods should be employed. Methodological rigour utilizes explicit samples and employs an inclusion methodological approach to the sampling procedures. In qualitative research, sampling should be systematic, purposive and conclusive; it should be conducted in a manner that comprehensively covers all the research topics.
Interpretative rigour describes the reliability of research and represents interpreters’ comments concerning a particular study. This form of rigour is mostly associated with credibility. Interpretative research does not aim at making a credible account of the phenomena used; instead, it focuses on the interpretations.
Triangulation is one way of creating interpretive rigour; it helps improve personal interpretation of the research. For researchers to ensure their research is reliable, they should analyze data and employ triangulation in their interpretations and conclusions. Interpretational rigour can also be attained using different sources to support all the interpretations that are made.
Triangulation of interpretations also improves interpretative rigour in research. Interpretative rigour compares information obtained from interview notes, journals and reflections, to that given by informants. Contradicting information is also important as it provides supplementary information to researcher and forms a basis for further research.
Evaluative rigour attempts to identify and name some of the challenges expected in research. Ethically challenging situations, in research, are some of the prime indicators of evaluative rigour. This implies that evaluation rigour can be attained through evaluation of the procedures, to be used to deal with individual challenges in a study. Evaluative rigour informs participants on the steps and strategies to be followed to come up with competent research procedures.
In conclusion, it is evident that all elements of research are intertwined. Similarly, all types of rigour are related to each another; when one of them fails, then the whole research process gets compromised. It is not easy to differentiate theoretical rigour from methodological rigour, since their elements are interconnected. Evaluative and interpretative rigours are technically related, in that they measure the efficiency of research.