مجلة أصيل للدراسات النفسية و التربوية و الاجتماعية
Volume 5, Numéro 1, Pages 106-128
2026-06-01

Methodological Rigor In Qualitative Research: A Systematic Review Of Validity, Reliability, And Trustworthiness Practices In Social Science Studies



Authors : Nazir Thseen .

Abstract

Qualitative research has become central to social science inquiry, yet serious inconsistencies in how methodological rigor is applied and reported continue to limit the credibility and cumulative value of the knowledge base. This systematic review evaluates how qualitative methodologies are applied across the social sciences and examines how trustworthiness criteria are operationalized in practice. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across Web of Science, Scopus, ERIC, and Sociological Abstracts (2010–2024). After a structured screening process, 94 empirical and methodological studies were included. Thematic synthesis following Thomas and Harden (2008) served as the primary analytic strategy, with the CASP quality appraisal tool used to assess study quality. Four themes emerged: (1) differential adoption of trustworthiness criteria across traditions; (2) a credibility–confirmability asymmetry in which member checking is prioritized over audit trail documentation; (3) domain-specific rigor patterns across sociology, social work, education, and political science; and (4) a persistent gap between stated epistemological positions and enacted rigor practices. Phenomenological and grounded theory approaches demonstrated the strongest overall rigor profiles. To address identified gaps, this review introduces the Qualitative Methodological Alignment Framework (QMAF), a decision-support tool that integrates research purpose, epistemological stance, and rigor requirements to guide methodology selection. Implications for methodological training and editorial policy across the social sciences are discussed.

Keywords

qualitative research methodology ; trustworthiness ; methodological rigor ; grounded theory ; PRISMA

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