NAMA : ERVINA G.

ALI

KELAS : E (SEMESTER 5)

NIM : 811421237

MK : METPEN (JURNAL)

Data Validity Checking Techniques in Qualitative Research

in the Field of Public Health
Arnild Augina Mekarisce
Public Health Science Study Program, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Jambi
University

Abstract
Introduction: In general, research is defined as a series of scientific activities that are planned, structured,
systematic, and have practical and theoretical objectives, both in quantitative and qualitative research. It is said
to be structured because this activity takes place following a certain process and stages. One of the stages is the
data collection stage. Data is a crucial component, so in its journey, the data collected must meet the
requirements of data validity checks. This study aims to explain the theory of data validity checking techniques in
qualitative research in the field of public health.
Methods: The research method used literature review, in which literature was collected from various data
sources, such as books, scientific articles, and interrelated journals.
Discussion: Data validity checking techniques are one of the elements in qualitative research that cannot be
separated from the body of knowledge of qualitative research in the field of public health. This technique
includes credibility testing (extended observation, increased persistence, triangulation, negative case analysis,
using reference materials, and member checks), transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Conclusion:
Data validity checking techniques that can be done in qualitative research in the field of public health are by
conducting credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability tests.
Keywords: credibility, transferability, triangulation, dependability, confirmability

Data Validity Check Techniques in Qualitative Research in Public Health

Abstract
Introduction: In general, the research method is defined as a scientific activity that is planned, structured,
systematic, and has specific objectives both practical and theoretical, both in quantitative and qualitative
research. It is said to be structured because this activity takes place following a certain process and stages. One
of the stages is the stage in data collection. Data is very crucial in the research, so that in its journey, the data
collected must meet the requirements on the validity of the data. This study aims to explain the theory about the
data validity check techniques in qualitative research in public health.
Method: The method used is literature review, which is literature collected from various sources such as books,
journals, scientific articles that are interrelated.
Result: Data Validity Check Techniques are an inseparable element of the body of qualitative research
knowledge in the field of public health. Data validity checking techniques in this qualitative study include
credibility tests (extended observations, increasing perseverance, triangulation, negative case analysis, using
reference material, or holding a member check), transferability, dependability, and confirmability.
Conclusion: Data validity checking techniques that can be carried out in qualitative research in the field of
public health are by conducting tests of credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability.
Keywords: credibility, transferability, triangulation, dependability, confirmability

Correspondence Address:
Arnild Augina Mekarisce
Public Health Science Study Program, Faculty of
Medicine and Health Sciences, Jambi University
Jln. Letjend Soeprapto No. 33, Telanai Pura, Jambi
Email: augina@unja.ac.id
Scientific Journal of Public Health Vol. 12 Edition 3, 2020 1
INTRODUCTION
Epistemologically, research is a series of
scientific activities in order to find answers to
problems and new knowledge. Research can be
further classified into two paradigms, namely
quantitative research and qualitative research.
The difference in paradigm not only affects the
researcher's goal in obtaining new knowledge,
but also affects the selection of methods and
the role of the researcher, as well as the criteria
for assessing whether a research is of quality or
not.1
Quantitative and qualitative research have
differences in research questions. Quantitative
research emphasizes the questions -what, do,
does, is, and are,‖ while qualitative research
focuses on the questions -how and why‖. For
example, based on the 2018 Riskesdas data, in
Indonesia the prevalence of smoking in men
was 62.9% and in women it was 4.8%, so the
prevalence of smoking is high in men. Against
that phenomenon, quantitative researchers will
emphasize, what are the predictors of smoking
habits? Is smoking related to education level
and income? What is the strength of the
relationship between education level and
smoking, and is it statistically significant?1,2
On the other hand, qualitative researchers
will emphasize the question of why people
have a smoking habit? What is the typical
pattern of people's smoking habits? Why is the
prevalence of smoking so much higher in men
than women? Because the questions are about
"how and why," not "what, do, does, is, are,"
qualitative research does not recognize
statistical hypothesis testing, although it
recognizes hypothesis testing.1
Qualitative research is a means for
exploring and understanding the meaning
individuals or groups ascribe to a social or
human problem. The process of research
involves emerging questions and procedures;
collecting data in the participants' setting;
analyzing the data inductively, building from
particulars to general themes; and making
interpretations of the meaning of the data. The
final written report has a flexible writing
structure. As for qualitative research
146 Scientific Journal of Public Health Volume 12 Edition 3, 2020
It is a process of exploring and understanding
the meaning of behavior carried out by
individuals and groups, as well as describing
how problems occur in the social and
humanitarian fields. This research process
consists of research questions and procedures
that a r e temporary, data collection, inductive
data analysis, constructing partial data to
themes, then interpreting the meaning of the
data, and the final activity is writing a report.3
Qualitative methods develop when there is
a change in the paradigm in viewing a reality,
phenomenon, or symptom that is observed.
When the paradigm shift occurred, social
reality was seen and understood as holistic,
complex, dynamic, and full of meaning.3,4
Qualitative research is also a type of
research that produces discoveries that cannot
be achieved (obtained) by using statistical
procedures or other ways of quantification
(measurement), so that it can be used to find
and understand what is hidden behind
phenomena that a r e difficult to understand
satisfactorily.5
The main characteristics in qualitative
research include focusing attention on natural
conditions, direct to data sources
(primary/secondary), researchers are the main
instrument, data presentation can be in the
form of words/pictures, not emphasizing
numbers, prioritizing processes rather than
products/results, data analysis is done
inductively, and emphasizing the meaning
behind the data observed by researchers.6
Qualitative research does not require
observation of all members of the population,
the application of qualitative research in the
field of public health can use several
informants to understand the processes that
occur related to the phenomena of disease,
health, and health-related behavior, because
with the rich information from a small number
of informants, qualitative researchers can
explore intensely the processes that explain and
the context behind the phenomena related to
health.
health that is of concern to the researcher.1
with data validity checking techniques in
The researcher who is the instrument
qualitative research in the field of public
The main qualitative research also shows that
health.
in qualitative research the instrument is a
person or human instrument, so researchers in
RESULTS
the field of public health must also have a
broad understanding of theory and insight to
Data validity checking techniques are not
get a holistic view of the context being
only used to refute what has been accused of
studied, therefore they must have the ability to
the concept of qualitative research, which says
ask questions, analyze, photograph, and
that this research is not scientific, but this data
construct the object under study to be clearer,
validity checking technique is an inseparable
more detailed, and full of meaning, especially
stage from the body of knowledge in
regarding data validity checking techniques in
qualitative research.
qualitative research in the field of public
Data validity checking techniques in
health. This is important to note, because data
qualitative research include credibility testing,
is a crucial component in research, this data
transferability testing, dependability testing,
will be used as a source of data analysis,
and confirmability testing.
which will then be used as a basis for drawing
conclusions, so that the data obtained must
meet the requirements of data validity. This
DISCUSSION
study aims to explain the theory of data
validity checking techniques in qualitative Credibility Test
research in the field of public health.3,7,8 In quantitative research, credibility is called
internal validity. In qualitative research, data can
METHODS be declared credible if there is a similarity
The research method used is a literature between what the researcher reports and what
review, which is literature collected from actually happens to the object under study. When
various sources such as books, scientific in the field it is found that there is a shortage of
articles, and journals related to health workers in the hospital environment, the
problem of this shortage of health workers will be
explored by researchers in more detail,

Validity Test
Data

Credibility TestTest Test Test

DataTransferability Dependability Confirmability

Renewal Increase Case Analysis Using

Triangulati Member
Observation Perseveranc Negative Reference
on Check
e Material

Triangulati Triangulati Triangulati

on on on Time
Source Engineeri

Figure 1: Data Validity Test in Qualitative Research

Scientific Journal of Public Health Vol. 12 Edition 3, 2020 3

 sharper. As
not those related to the availability of health
facilities and infrastructure. The data
credibility test or qualitative research data trust
consists of extending observation, increasing
persistence, triangulation, negative case
analysis, using reference materials and
member checks.3
a) Extension of observation
At stage At the beginning of
the researcher entering the field, the
researcher is still considered a
stranger, still suspected,so that the
informationgiven not yet complete,
not in depth, and it is
still possible that many things are
kept secret. With this extension of
observation, it means that the
researcher's relationship with the
source will be increasingly formed
rapport, more familiar (no
more distance), more open, trusting
each other so that no information is
hidden a n y m o r e . If a rapport
has been formed, then there has been
a fairness in the research, where the
presence of the researcher is more
important. researcher no
longer interferes with the
behavior being studied.2 In
extended observation to
test credibility research
data, namely by By
observing whether the data obtained
previously is true or not when
checked back into the field. If after
checking back into the field it is
correct, it means that it is credible,
then the observation extension time
can be extended. can ended by
the researcher. As a form of proof that
researchers have conducted a
credibility test, then
researchers can attach evidence in
the form of a certificate of extension
of observation in the research report.3

b) Increase perseverance
Researchers can increase
persistence in the form of checking
again whether the data that has been
found is correct or not, by making
continuous observations, reading
various book references and related
research or documentation, so that the
researcher's insight will be broader and
150 Scientific Journal of Public Health Volume 12 Edition 3, 2020
 For example, when looking at a group of
people who are exercising in the
morning, for some people this activity is
only a means to maintain physical health,
but researchers can have a different view
after in-depth examination, so that it is
known that morning exercise is a means
of business transactions.3

c) Triangulation
A methodological concept in
qualitative research that qualitative
researchers need to know next is the
triangulation technique. The purpose of
triangulation is to increase the
theoretical, methodological, and
interpretative power of qualitative
research. Triangulation is also defined as
the activity of checking data through
various sources, techniques, and time.1,3
1) Source triangulation
Source triangulation can be done
by checking the data that has been
obtained through various sources.
For example, to test the credibility
of data about the leadership style of
the minister of health, then testing
the validity of the data that has been
obtained can be done to subordinates
who are led, to superiors who assign,
and to coworkers. Data from these
three different sources cannot be
averaged as in quantitative research,
but can be
described, categorized, which views
are the same, which are different,
and which are specific to the three
data sources. The data that has been
analyzed can produce a conclusion
which can then be agreed upon
(member check) with the three data
sources.3
2) Triangulation technique
Triangulation techniques can be
done by doing

Scientific Journal of Public Health Vol. 12 Edition 3, 2020 151

 checking data to the same source, for research. all of which
but with different techniques. For that provide information for
example, data that has been the research process.13,14
obtained If with various
through interviews
in-depth interview
to informant
A related to
perceptions, ideas,
expectations, attitudes,
lifestyles, and the
community
environment towards
the implementation of free
health care, then checking
information
through
observation, or
documentation to informant A, or
vice versa.3
- Interview indepth
interviews: most qualitative
research data sources are based
on in-depth interviews, this
technique uses open-ended
questions, by
prioritizing an ethical attitude
towards the informants being
studied. The data obtained are
perceptions, opinions, feelings,
and knowledge.6,9,10,11
- Observation (observation):
observation is one of the
fundamental bases of all data
collection methods in
qualitative research, especially
concerning social sciences and
human behavior. This
observation is carried out by
observing what is being
studied, the results of which
can be a description in the field
in the form of attitudes,
actions, conversation,
or
interper
sonal interactions.9,12
- Documents:
Documents are
sources of data used to
complement research, whether
in the form of written sources,
films, images, (photographs),
and monumental works, all of
which can be used as a basis
150 Scientific Journal of Public Health Volume 12 Edition 3, 2020
 If these techniques
produce different data
from one another,
researchers can conduct
further discussions with
related data sources until
the certainty and truth of
the data is obtained.3
3) Time triangulation
Time triangulation can
be done by rechecking the
data to the source and still
using the same technique,
but with different times or
situations. For example,
when wanting to identify
the inhibiting and
supporting factors of
improving health services
at the Community Health
Center (Puskesmas), the
previous informants who
have been conducted in-
depth interviews are
repeated interviews at
different times or
situations. If the test
results still show different
data, researchers can do it repeatedly until data certainty is found.3

d) Negative case analysis

A negative case is
a data/case condition that is
different from the research
results. Negative case
analysis can be done by
searching for data that is
different or even contrary to
the data that has been found
in more depth. This test
depends on how big the
negative case is, if there are
99% of people saying that
person A is a drug dealer,
while 1% say no (negative),
then the researcher must
find out in depth and find
certainty whether this 1%
group is right or not. If in
the end, this 1% group then
states that person A is a
drug dealer, then the
negative case no longer
exists. Thus, the research
findings become more

Scientific Journal of Public Health Vol. 12 Edition 3, 2020 151

 credible.3

150 Scientific Journal of Public Health Volume 12 Edition 3, 2020


e) Using reference materials
Reference materials are part of
the support to prove the data found by
researchers authentically. For
example, data from in-depth
interviews with informants is
complemented by audio-visual
recordings during in-depth
interviews. 3
f) Member check
Member check is a process of
checking data with data sources. The
purpose of doing a member check is so
that the information obtained in the
research report is in accordance with
what the data source or informant
intended. Member check can be done
after the end of one data collection
period. The mechanism can be done
individually, that is, researchers meet
data sources or meet in a group
discussion forum. In this process, data
can be added, reduced, or rejected by
data sources until a mutual agreement
is obtained, in the form of a signed
document.3
Transferability Test
In research In
quantitative research, transferability is called
external validity which is related to the
concept of data generalization. Transferability
shows the degree of accuracy or the extent to
which the research results can be applied to the
population from which the informants were
selected. In qualitative research, the value of
transferability depends on the reader, to what
extent the research results can be applied to
other social contexts and situations. If the
reader gets a clear picture and understanding
of the research report (context and research
focus), such as a clear description of the
quality of health services for independent
midwife practices in District X, then the
research results can be said to have high
transferability.3,15
Scientific Journal of Public Health Vol. 12 Edition 3, 2020
Dependability Test
In research In
quantitative research, dependability is called
reliability. It is said to fulfill dependability
when subsequent researchers can replicate the
series of research processes. Dependability
testing can be done through auditing the entire
research process. Research results cannot be
said to be dependable if the researcher cannot
prove that a series of research processes have
been carried out in reality.3
Mechanism test dependability can be
done through audit by
independent auditor, or
supervisor of the research
process. For example, how researchers begin
to determine the problem and focus of
research, for example related to the
implementation of the policy area No
Smoking Area (KTR) policy implementation,
how to determine data sources that can explain
about KTR, how toenter thefield,how
the data collection mechanism, how to do the
data collection, how to do the data collection
mechanism, how to do the data collection
mechanism. checking data validity , how
to analyze data, and how to draw conclusions.
If researchers do not have a track record
of their field/research activities, then
their dependability can be doubted.3
Confirmability Test
In research In
quantitative research, confirmability is called
objectivity, which is when the results of the
research have been agreed upon by many
people.3
Confirmability in qualitative research is
more interpreted as the concept of
intersubjectivity (the concept of transparency),
which is a form of availability of researchers in
disclosing to the public about how the process
and elements in their research, which in turn
provides an opportunity for other parties to
conduct an assessment / assessment of their
findings while obtaining agreement between
these parties.15
Confirmability is a process of checking
criteria, namely what steps are chosen by
researchers in confirming their findings.
Researchers in the field of public health can
perform confirmability by reflecting on their
findings.
151
researchers' findings in journals, consultation
with expert researchers, peer review, or
disseminating their findings at a conference to
get input in improving their findings, both at
the regional, national and international levels
related to the field of public health.15
CONCLUSIONS
Research which is a scientific activity needs
to be carried out correctly and precisely, in
accordance with scientific characteristics that
can be accounted for. In qualitative research,
one of one of the In
qualitative research, one form of accountability
for the research carried out is to go through
stages in checking the validity of the data
which can be done by testing credibility,
transferability, dependability, and
confirmability.
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