In qualitative research, what does the term 'audibility' refer to?

In qualitative research, the term 'audibility' refers specifically to the transparency of the research process. This concept emphasizes the importance of making the research process clear and accessible for others to understand. By ensuring audibility, researchers provide a detailed account of how they collected, analyzed, and interpreted their data, allowing others to follow their reasoning and to appraise the validity of their findings.

Transparency in the research process enhances the credibility of the study and assures readers that the findings are grounded in the evidence presented. It also facilitates reproducibility and offers a framework for other researchers to build upon the work. This concept is crucial in qualitative research, where the subjectivity of the researcher's perspective plays a significant role in data interpretation.

In contrast, clarity of writing may contribute to the overall presentation of the research but doesn't capture the underlying intention of audibility. Similarly, the volume of data or the originality of findings are not direct indicators of how transparent or understandable the research process is. Focusing on the transparency encapsulated in audibility ensures that qualitative research adheres to rigorous standards, making the contributions to the field more reliable and respected.