Updating and Advancing Member-Checking Methods: Use of Video and Asynchronous Technology to Optimize Participant Engagement

Member checking enhances the trustworthiness and transformative potential of qualitative research. There are a variety of aims and approaches to reengaging with participants in sharing data or preliminary analysis and soliciting feedback through member checking. Published studies often lack descriptions of member-checking methods or outcomes, and there is a lack of research on the use of technologies for this purpose. Asynchronous video and internet-based technologies can be valuable tools to improve the accessibility, equity, effectiveness, and acceptability of member checking and foster increased engagement. This publication presents a detailed description of member checking in an exemplar study that used readily available technologies to create a video synopsis of preliminary findings and embed that video in a multimedia, mixed methods web-based survey which was emailed to participants. This member-checking method was purposefully selected to advance the specific research aims of the study, reflect the epistemological stance of the researchers and unique considerations of the study population, and address relevant situational factors to optimize participant engagement. This strategy facilitated wide, cost-effective, and timely distribution and resulted in a good response rate with rich feedback. Asynchronous technologies were a useful alternative to in-person or synchronous meetings to facilitate voluntary participation, foster reflection that deepened analysis, and capture multiple voices and perspectives. Findings from this research support the use of video and electronic survey technologies to enhance study credibility, address ethical and methodological challenges related to member checking, and increase equity and engagement. Future studies are needed to expand and refine integration of technologies into member checking to address diverse research aims, contexts, and study populations.