Rigour
A major issue in this study was the possibility of researcher
bias and the potential influence of the principal investigator
as a lecturer in the same university as the student participants
on the credibility of the study. Differing interpretations,
assumptions and knowledge background of researchers can
influence all stages of the research process and require close
attention to integrity and criticality (Whittemore et al. 2001).
Credibility can be enhanced by the construction of an audit
trail (Koch 2006, Meyrick 2006, Rolfe 2006) as a means of
tracking decisions made throughout the research process. In
this study, a reflexive journal recorded by the principal
investigator formed the basis of regular discussion with the
research supervisors. This ensured a frequent (re)-evaluation
of the study and critical thoughtfulness, particularly regarding
power relationships between researcher and participants.
In terms of analysis, data were initially coded independently
by the principal investigator. The categories and
subcategories identified during this process were compared
and revised until consensus was reached.