What is the term for the truth of findings as judged by participants and experts in the discipline?

The correct term for the truth of findings as judged by participants and experts in the discipline is credibility. This concept refers to the quality of the research's results being trustworthy and believable, based on the perceptions of those who are knowledgeable in the field, including both participants and professionals. Credibility is often established through methods such as triangulation, peer feedback, and prolonged engagement, which enhance the research's authenticity and provide confidence in the findings.

In contrast, reliability refers to the consistency of a measure over time, suggesting that if the research were repeated, it would yield similar results. Validity pertains to whether the research truly measures what it intends to measure, ensuring that conclusions drawn from the research accurately reflect the concept or phenomenon being studied. Dependability is related to consistency in qualitative research, focusing on the stability of data over time. While all these concepts are important in research, credibility specifically denotes the perceived truthfulness of findings, making it the most suitable choice in this context.