An Analytical-Critical Review of Validation Strategies in Qualitative Research in Sport Management: Evidence from Published

Qualitative research in sport management has gained increasing importance due to its ability to provide in-depth understanding of complex phenomena. However, the main challenge lies in how to assess the validity and trustworthiness of the findings of such research. The purpose of this article is to review, analyze, and critique validation strategies in common qualitative methods used in sport management, and to provide practical examples from Iranian research. This study is an analytical-critical review. A search was conducted in reputable scientific databases using relevant keywords. A set of key sources, including international articles, reference books, and Iranian studies, was examined using directed content analysis. Concepts related to validation in each method were extracted and categorized. Validation of qualitative research encompasses two general approaches: general frameworks, such as Lincoln and Guba’s four criteria (credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability), and method-specific strategies. In thematic analysis, techniques such as participant feedback and peer debriefing are applicable. In grounded theory, theoretical sampling and constant comparison form the cornerstones of validity. Content analysis faces the challenge of the inter-coder agreement coefficient, about which there are both supportive perspectives (enhancing objectivity) and opposing views (incompatibility with the interpretive nature). Phenomenology gains validity through concepts such as reduction and eidetic analysis. Narrative inquiry emphasizes coherence and impact on the audience, while ethnography highlights thick description and prolonged engagement. The validation of qualitative research is a multi-layered, dynamic process dependent on the research method. Using general frameworks alongside method-specific strategies, coupled with a critical view of common tools (e.g., the agreement coefficient) and the adoption of innovative approaches (e.g., critical friends), leads to the production of more credible and more localized knowledge in sport management.

کلیدواژه ها:

Critical Review ، Method-specific strategies ، Qualitative validity ، Sport Management ، Trustworthiness