Criteria for qualitative methods in human reliability analysis

Abstract

The qualitative analysis steps in Human Reliability Analysis (HRA) have received little attention in the HRA methods and in the general literature on HRA. The purpose of this paper is to investigate which quality criteria for qualitative research exist and if they can be useful as quality criteria in HRA. To find the criteria for qualitative research, a literature review was performed that covered a broad range of criteria for qualitative research. A thematic analysis was then used to sort and present the different criteria found in different papers and book chapters. Quality criteria for qualitative research were found in the following steps: presenting the background of the study, selecting and presenting a sample, qualitative data collection, qualitative data analysis, credibility/reliability checks, reflexivity and identification of possible bias, and evaluation of ethics considerations. It is discussed how these qualitative criteria could improve HRA and be guidelines for analysts and reviewers of HRAs.