Open AccessBrief Note on the Origins, Evolution, and Meaning of the Qualitative Research Concept Thick Description
Author(s) -
Joseph G. Ponterotto
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the qualitative report
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.335
H-Index - 35
ISSN - 2160-3715
DOI - 10.46743/2160-3715/2006.1666
Subject(s) - confusion , epistemology , meaning (existential) , qualitative research , discipline , sociology , linguistics , psychology , philosophy , psychoanalysis , social science
The origins, cross-disciplinary evolution, and definition of “thick description” are reviewed. Despite its frequent use in the qualitative literature, the concept of “thick description” is often confusing to researchers at all levels. The roots of this confusion are explored and examples of “thick description” are provided. The article closes with guidelines for presenting “thick description” in written reports.