Validity in qualitative research in psychology

Qualitative research is characterised by non-numerical approach to data, which stresses' interpretation and reflection of the meaning, of the context, and of the researcher's role. The authors describe general characteristics of validity in qualitative research and discuss three approaches to validity: moderate rejection of the principle of validity, radical rejection of the principle of validity, and re-definition of validity in qualitative research. As constitution of qualitative psychology as a science is contingent on the reliability of its findings, the development in the conceptualisation of validity may influence the development of qualitative psychology asa whole.