Abstract:
PURPOSE : This paper illustrates how Guba and Lincoln’s parallel criteria for establishing trustworthiness, can
be adapted and applied to qualitative research on indigenous social protection systems. It provides insights for
social protection researchers, exploring plausible qualitative research rigor evaluation criteria, on plausible
alternatives.
DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : The paper draws on qualitative evidence from a larger ethnographic
study on the dynamics of indigenous social protection systems in Nigeria. It illustrates the systematic
application of Guba and Lincoln’s parallel criteria.
FINDINGS : Available evidence from the study shows that Guba and Lincoln’s parallel criteria is viable for
establishing trustworthiness of qualitative research on indigenous social protection systems. The criteria can
facilitate credible and reliable research outcomes in research on improving social protection policy and practice.
RESEARCH LIMITATIONSS/IMPLICATIONS : Qualitative inquiries that draw on Guba and Lincoln’s parallel
criteria as evaluation criteria for trustworthiness can complement quantitative research on social protection.
This makes it imperative to incorporate both, in social protection research for a holistic system. How this can be
done is beyond the scope of this paper but needs to be explored by future research.
ORIGINALITY/VALUE : Contrary to the use of Guba and Lincoln’s parallel criteria in qualitative research in other
contexts, the use of the criteria has not been carefully examined in qualitative research on indigenous social
protection systems. This paper is an attempt to fill this gap.
