How can you ensure clarity and accuracy when communicating qualitative research findings?

1 Know your audience

The first step to communicate qualitative research findings is to identify your target audience and tailor your message accordingly. Different audiences may have different levels of familiarity, interest, and expectations from your research. For example, policymakers may want to see the practical implications and recommendations of your findings, while academics may want to see the theoretical contributions and methodological rigor. You need to consider the purpose, tone, format, and language of your communication to suit your audience's needs and preferences.

3 Provide context and evidence

The third step to communicate qualitative research findings is to provide context and evidence to support your claims and arguments. Qualitative research can be influenced by various factors, such as the research design, the data collection methods, the sampling strategy, the data analysis techniques, and the researcher's positionality and reflexivity. You need to explain how these factors affect your findings and how you address any limitations or biases. You also need to provide sufficient evidence, such as quotes, examples, cases, or scenarios, to illustrate your findings and show how they relate to the existing literature and theory.

4 Highlight the significance and implications

The fourth step to communicate qualitative research findings is to highlight the significance and implications of your research. Qualitative research can offer valuable insights and perspectives that can inform and improve economic policies, practices, and theories. You need to demonstrate how your research contributes to the knowledge gap, the policy debate, the social change, or the professional development in your field. You also need to discuss the implications and recommendations of your research for different stakeholders, such as policymakers, practitioners, researchers, or communities.

5 Use clear and concise language

The fifth step to communicate qualitative research findings is to use clear and concise language that conveys your message effectively and accurately. Qualitative research can involve complex and abstract concepts, terms, and jargon that may confuse or alienate your audience. You need to use simple and precise language that explains your findings in a straightforward and understandable way. You also need to avoid unnecessary words, repetitions, ambiguities, or inconsistencies that may obscure or distort your message.

6 Seek feedback and validation

The final step to communicate qualitative research findings is to seek feedback and validation from your audience and your peers. Feedback and validation can help you improve the quality, credibility, and relevance of your research communication and dissemination. You can seek feedback and validation by using various methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, workshops, webinars, blogs, podcasts, or social media. You can use the feedback and validation to refine your message, address any gaps or errors, and enhance your impact and influence.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?