Quality Control in Scientific Research: A Synthesis of Reliability, Validity and Rigor as Critical Methodologies

Abstract

Reliability, validity, and rigor are essential quality control measures used in research to establish research worthiness and credibility. While acknowledging that the onus is on the researcher to determine which measure(s) to employ, their application depends on the chosen methodology (e.g., quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research). This work highlighted the importance of quality control in research and their role as critical methodologies for achieving internal consistency and trustworthiness of results in quantitative research; the application of rigor in qualitative research to ensure credibility; and their contribution to mixed method research. Finally, the study found that the merits and demerits of quality control in any scientific study depend on the fundamental principles guiding each research methodology.