by PublicABCP
Translated and reviewed by Matheus Lucas Hebling
In the article The Yellow Brick Road: Challenges and Suggestions for Producing More Transparent Qualitative Research, authors Amanda Domingos (Universität Flensburg – Germany), Virginia Rocha da Silva (European University Institute), and Palloma Marciano (General Manager of Strategic Information at the Government of Pernambuco) address the importance of transparency in qualitative research within Political Science and International Relations.
Although qualitative approaches are widely used in Brazil, the study highlights that open science and transparent practices are still rarely discussed in this field. Building on this analysis, the authors argue that adopting methods that promote greater clarity and reproducibility is essential for strengthening the reliability and social impact of qualitative research, ultimately fostering trust both within academia and among the broader public.
The main goal of the study was to identify the barriers faced by researchers when implementing transparency practices in qualitative studies—barriers often linked to recommendations designed for quantitative methods. To this end, the authors conducted a detailed review of over 5,900 articles published in Brazil between 1984 and 2020, mapping the presence and frequency of transparency discussions in Political Science and International Relations publications.
Among its key findings, the study reveals that although qualitative studies dominate Brazil’s academic output in Political Science, there is a lack of systematic guidelines to support transparency and reproducibility. The authors emphasize that simply adapting practices from quantitative research is not always suitable for the nuances of qualitative methods, which often involve more subjective and contextual data. This gap, according to the article, stands in the way of building a more rigorous and trustworthy political science in the country.
To address this, the article proposes a set of specific practices. The authors recommend that researchers thoroughly document data collection procedures, including criteria for participant selection and justifications for using techniques like interviews or focus groups. They also encourage the sharing of supporting documents—such as field notes and interview guides—that can clarify analytical and methodological decisions made during the research process.
Another suggestion is the creation of a “transparency appendix,” where researchers can systematically and concisely explain their analytical process, thereby enhancing both replicability and critical assessment of their findings.
According to the article, transparency in qualitative research not only improves replicability and trust in the results but also helps make science more accessible and relevant to society. In a context of growing public distrust in science, the study argues that opening up the research process can make findings more understandable and applicable—particularly in areas like public policy. By promoting a culture of responsible and inclusive research, the article contributes to the development of a more transparent and valued social science.
About the Authors
Amanda Domingos is a postdoctoral researcher at Universität Flensburg (EUF), ACCESS Project, in Flensburg, Germany. She holds a BA, MA, and PhD in Political Science from the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE).
Virginia Rocha da Silva is a postdoctoral researcher at the European University Institute, Department of Social and Political Sciences, in Florence, Italy. She earned her PhD in Political Science from UFPE, with a research stay at the University of Oxford (2018–2019). She was also a visiting lecturer in Political Science at UFPE in 2023. She holds an MA (2015) and BA (2013) in Political Science from UFPE and is a member of the research group “Institutions, Policies, and Government” (DCP/UFPE).
Palloma Marciano is the General Manager of Strategic Information in the Government of Pernambuco, working under the Special Advisory Office to the Governor and International Relations. She holds a PhD in Political Science from UFPE and has extensive experience in statistics, data analysis, and research methodology.
Publication Details
Title: The Yellow Brick Road: Challenges and Suggestions for Producing More Transparent Qualitative Research
Authors: Amanda Domingos, Virginia Rocha da Silva, Palloma Marciano
Published: 2024
Journal: Revista Brasileira de Ciência Política, Vol. 43
Access: Available online via Revista Brasileira de Ciência Política
