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Cited by 28Qualitative Research Methods and ApplicationsQualitative Research Methods and EthicsBusiness and Management Studies

High-Quality Qualitative Research: Getting Into Gear

Epp, Amber M., Otnes, Cele C.·2021·Journal of Service Research
DOI 10.1177/1094670520961445
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Abstract

In this editorial, we leverage the metaphor of the road trip to help those authors submitting to the Journal of Service Research and other publications craft high-quality qualitative research (HQQR). We outline three criteria as hallmarks of HQQR: relevant research addresses important problems or gaps, rigorous research makes data collection and analysis transparent, and responsive research reflects the ability to adapt to concerns and critiques as the project unfolds. We unpack four essentials of the road trip that enable authors to deliver on the above criteria: vehicle (theory), route (research design), traveling companions (coauthors, participants), and safety kit (planning, tools). We explain how choices made by researchers not only can foster HQQR but can also fuel the journey to publication. Our “Road Trip Checklist” provides a quick reference to specific questions researchers should ask to address each essential element and offers article exemplars that masterfully respond to these questions. We hope this editorial encourages researchers to draw on qualitative techniques to explore service-related topics that would benefit from immersive fieldwork and that it inspires the necessary guidance and confidence to get on the road.

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  • The Road Trip Checklist provides a quick reference to specific questions to address different elements of high-quality qualitative research.

    “For instance, the ''Road Trip Checklist'' (Epp & Otnes, 2021) provides a quick reference to specific questions to address different elements of high-quality qualitative research.”

    From Criteria for Good Qualitative Research: A Comprehensive Review (2022) · cites this paper as Epp & Otnes, 2021

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Authors
Epp, A. M., & Otnes, C. C.
Affiliations
  • University of Wisconsin–Madison (US)
  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (US)
Corresponding author
Epp, Amber M.
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Service Research
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Published
2020-09-30
Volume
24
Issue
2
Pages
163-167
ISSN
  • 1094-6705 (ISSN-L)
  • 1552-7379
DOI
10.1177/1094670520961445
OpenAlex
W3089528777
Cited by
28
References
20
Citations by year
2026: 5 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 6
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations
Journal of Service Research (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Education › Qualitative Research Methods and Applications
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics
  • Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Information Systems and Management › Business and Management Studies
Keywords
research design, theory, co-authorship, fieldwork, research planning, research transparency, service research

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