Presenting Findings to Respondents Transforms Them from Subjects to Trusted Partners
As a researcher and evaluator at IIE, I’ve learned that validating findings with participants in my research is one of the most rewarding and necessary aspects of data collection, especially on sensitive topics such as war and displacement. By following up with participants to validate our data findings, we invite their feedback and ensure their experiences are accurately represented while identifying any errors or misinterpretations. This practice enhances our data results’ accuracy and maintains our connection to the real-life stories and issues that underpin the research.
Last summer, I interviewed displaced and threatened scholars on issues of safety, scholarship, and well-being. After I finished data collection and the preliminary analysis, I shared the group findings with each participant, explaining the value of their feedback while seeking it. While not all the results would directly apply to them, they were able to see the themes and topics emerging from the data collection. This validation process allowed participants to react, offer deeper insights, and see how their input was interpreted. It also helped to build trust by showing them how their contributions were represented and allowed them to clarify or correct any details. Finally, it sparked new thoughts, allowing participants to reflect on the group findings and add additional perspectives. Some even noted that seeing group findings validating their own experiences helped them feel a sense of community and appreciation for the value of the research.
Sometimes participants may challenge researchers’ interpretation. Yet, these moments often lead to richer, more nuanced understandings and can reveal practical implications not previously considered. Validating findings ensures the research remains relevant and meaningful by incorporating participants’ insights on how the research can be applied.
Consider validating findings when:
- When building trust with participants is essential. Allowing them to clarify or edit their statements helps establish trust in the evaluator. This can also support future data collection with the same group.
- When confidentiality is a concern, particularly with small samples. Allowing participants to redact statements or review how their input will be shared helps protect confidentiality and enhance transparency.
- When dealing with sensitive topics, validating findings allows participants to review how their information is presented. Grouping findings can also help participants see how their peers have contributed, adding layers of understanding.
- When unfamiliar with the context, validating findings can refine your understanding and consequently interpretation. This offers additional insights and ensures your analysis aligns with participants’ realities.
- When tackling complex or nuanced topics, participant feedback helps capture subtle differences in their perspectives, ensuring the diversity of experiences is accurately reflected.
- When aiming to build long-term partnerships, engaging participants in validating findings fosters collaboration, leading to stronger relationships and opportunities for future collaboration.
- When working across cultural or language barriers, validating findings can help prevent misinterpretations and cultural misunderstandings, ensuring your analysis reflects participants’ true intent.
- When exploring and examining difficult topics, it is important to consider participants’ capacity and avoid burdening them if they are limited in time and resources.
Expert research and evaluation are not just about producing credible findings; it’s about building relationships and fostering collaboration. This participatory approach has been a crucial shift in my work. Every time I reflect with participants, I learn something new, reaffirming the value of this engaged approach. Reflection continues beyond the analysis stage of the research and evaluation process, extending to final deliverables, where participants see how their responses have been integrated and interpreted. When research participants feel heard and valued, it fosters a deeper sense of ownership and makes the findings more impactful, as they are more likely to share and discuss them within their communities.
