Re-engaging with member checking in contemporary qualitative research: Using video and internet-based asynchronous technology to optimize participant validation

Introduction: Reengaging with participants through member checking (also known as participant validation) is a valuable strategy to enhance transactional and transformational validity and reduce researcher bias. There are many potential methods for member checking. The optimal approach will vary, based on the nature of the research question, researchers' epistemological stance, and unique considerations of the study population and context. Since COVID-19, familiarity with online and asynchronous technologies has increased dramatically. Using media and technology to perform member checking has the potential to expand its accessibility, equity, effectiveness, and acceptability.

Methods: The presentation provides a valuable real-world example of using asynchronous technology through a video recording and multimedia, web-based survey in a mixed methods study exploring decision-making in pregnancy.

Results: The use of video and electronic surveys provided to be an effective option for member checking. This method was affordable, convenient, efficient, and resulted in high quantity and quality of participant responses. Asynchronous technologies can mitigate ethical and methodological challenges in member checking to improve equity and engagement.

Conclusions: Asynchronous, internet-based technologies such as videos and electronic surveys are a viable and useful alternative to written materials and synchronous meetings for member checking. The use of these technologies offers numerous benefits in enhancing the trustworthiness and transformative potential of qualitative research. This research has implications to increase validity, equity, and engagement in qualitative research.