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Resumo

Member checking is an established technique in qualitative research that is intended to improve the quality and rigour of studies. However, recent debate about whether member checking achieves its intended purposes and the potential risk for unintended consequences creates uncertainty about its use. This generates confusion, particularly for those new to qualitative research. In 2021, Motulsky proposed five evaluation questions to guide researchers in decision-making about member checking. There have been no reports of the application of these questions in qualitative studies. By retrospectively applying these questions to a recently completed doctoral interpretive descriptive study on public involvement in health service design, we critically evaluate the usefulness of these questions in member checking decision-making. An important gap in understanding is addressed in how the evaluative questions might aid novice researchers in member checking decision-making by highlighting the critical importance of member checking considerations in the study planning phase. Decisions about study design and whether to use member checking require careful consideration of risks and benefits. Novice researchers, in particular, should not rely on checklists and short textbook explanations to drive member checking decision-making. They should read widely and critically, use reflective praxis, and report and justify their member checking decision-making process.

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