Moving Beyond Templates: A Bricolage Approach to Conducting Trustworthy Qualitative Research

Although the rising popularity of methodological templates has yielded an increasing interest in qualitative research, we discuss how the misuse of methodological templates can diminish the quality of research. As an alternative, we proposemethodological bricolageas an organizing metaphor for how to do qualitative methods, which involves the combining of analytic moves for the purpose of solving a problem or problems tailored to one's own research project. To develop a methodological bricolage approach, we draw on our own research as well as a broader set of qualitative research articles to illustrate how authors arrange various methodological moves to create an effective arrangement that communicates trustworthiness. We outline the benefits of methodological bricolage and some cautions in using this approach.

Automated summary

This article discusses how the misuse of methodological templates can reduce the quality of research, and proposes methodological bricolage as an alternative approach to qualitative research. The authors use their own research and a broader set of qualitative research articles to illustrate how methodological bricolage can be used to enhance trustworthiness. The benefits and cautions of using this approach are outlined.