What does auditability assure in qualitative research?

Auditability in qualitative research primarily ensures that the researcher documents the entire research process. This documentation allows others to trace the steps taken throughout the study, providing transparency and clarity about how the data was collected, analyzed, and interpreted. By maintaining detailed records, researchers enable others to verify the reliability and validity of the findings, as it demonstrates that the study can be followed and understood by independent reviewers. This aspect is crucial in qualitative research, where subjective interpretations can play a significant role.

While aspects like universal applicability, truthfulness of findings, and insights into the researcher's reasoning are important in their own right, they do not directly relate to the concept of auditability. Auditability specifically focuses on the clarity and traceability of the research process itself, rather than the broader concepts of applicability or the subjective insights of the researcher.