3.2.12 Quality criteria

The quality of observational studies depends largely on the quality of the descriptions of data collection and analysis provided by the researcher. Details about how the research was conducted are crucial and should be well documented. For example, how much time was spent in the field, how typical were the events recorded, description of the attempts to verify the observations made, etc.

The general criteria to assess the quality of qualitative research are described here and also apply to observational methods.