How can you assess the validity of evidence?

Validity refers to how well a piece of research actually measures what it sets out to, or how well a piece of evidence reflects the reality it claims to represent.

You might ask yourself:

• Were the right questions asked?
• Do you think interviewees were saying what they think the researchers want or expect them to say?
• Were appropriate theories used or referred to?
• How likely is it that the same results would be achieved in different contexts?
• How aware of the context was the researcher?
• Are conversations selectively quoted to serve the argument to such an extent that you begin to question the evidence?
• How aware was the researcher of their own potential to influence the process or the results?
• As well as the things done in the research were other things (variables) that could result in a change also considered and accounted for?