Using Real-Time Quantitative Data Saturation Analysis to Enhance the Rigor of Qualitative Research: A Decision-Making Perspective

In this era of increasingly rapid change, the underlying assumption that traditional decision-making models and methods still apply is debatable in many cases. The plethora of qualitative studies addressing today’s unique management challenges is evidence of this belief. However, qualitative research methods are subjective in nature, and thus susceptible to bias. This paper is a justification of the need for, and a description of, a method of real-time quantitative data saturation analysis designed to enhance the rigor of qualitative research study findings by directly addressing the nature and effects of transparency and researcher bias. Included are a discussion of the nature and current state of data saturation analysis, an explanation of the principles of real-time quantitative data saturation analysis and how to apply them, and a description of the real-time quantitative data saturation analysis method with examples of how to apply it.