Abstract
Methodologists recommend member checking (MC) to increase the credibility of results from qualitative studies. In this procedure, the researcher’s categories, hypotheses and interpretations can be verified or corrected by respondents, and the latter can add information. Various methods are available for conducting this procedure. However, in addition to methodological issues, MC also raises ethical questions. In this article, we investigate which member check method (MCM) is most appropriate for a particular study from an ethical perspective. Based on a literature review about ethical issues in different MCMs and ethical principles contained in guidelines for research ethics, we develop seven decision criteria that can facilitate an ethically reflected decision for a particular MCM. Accordingly, we consider the principles of beneficence, justice, scientific quality, informed consent and avoiding harm, which are widely accepted in research ethics. In addition, we recommend that participants’ wishes and concerns regarding the MC be inquired about and considered.
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