Decisiones cualitativas para la representación de voces de comunidades rurales a partir de trayectorias educativas culturalmente diversas

Introduction: Qualitative research (QR) begins with ideas and conversations that tend to be connected to the local area and its communities. From start to finish, researchers make decisions that shape the course of their projects. Changes occur during implementation, and the decisions made by those carrying out the research are key to the success of the initiatives; however, these changes can be viewed as biases associated with a lack of methodological rigor. Objective: To explain how biases are addressed in QR and how to ensure the quality of a project, particularly when working with marginalized communities that require their voices to be represented in the pursuit of social justice; for example, people from rural communities. Method: Through two predominantly qualitative studies using thematic content analysis, the sequence of methodological decisions made is described and analyzed. Results: A mixed-methods, predominantly qualitative, multi-method, and multivocal methodology is proposed to ensure the rigor of QR, with examples of results obtained using the QSR-Nvivo 15 software and evaluations of its use. Discussion: In QR, biases are elements that can contribute to understanding the subject; they are connected to the researchers’ experiences and life stories. Conclusion: In research—as a tactic or rigor strategy—multimethod strategies allow us to cover a broad spectrum of sources that facilitate the triangulation of information or evidence.