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There is no single guideline to assist researchers in creating high quality research within qualitative methods. This article proposes that rigor requires both a determination of actual or possible vulnerabilities and strategies that begin with an examination of the study itself rather than with a predetermined list of standardized practices. Two studies demonstrate how an inductive approach to rigor conducted within the framework of a particular qualitative approach, e.g. hermeneutic phenomenology, can produce greater thoroughness and understanding of a paradigm's epistemological assumptions. The studies include the lived experience of survivors of homicide victims, and women in substance abuse recovery.

Numerous studies have shown that women's patterns of substance use are strongly impacted by social relationships. Using a hermeneutic phenomenological method, this study examined the interplay between intimate partner relationships and substance abuse recovery through in-depth interviews with 17 women in a treatment program. Six essential themes about the dilemmas posed by recovery and relationships emerged from analysis: (a) experiencing themselves as damaged goods; (b) paying the price for both recovery and relationship choices made; (c) trading parts of self for relationships and drugs; (d) waking from the nightmare and realizing the impact of abuse; (e) hoping, but not always quite believing, in the possibility of recovery; (f) asking themselves “who's in charge of my life?” This study expands on previous findings by examining critical similarities in the dynamics of interpersonal relationships and recovery for women and the meanings they assign to each.

This article presents a feminist model for collaboration by researchers, practitioners, and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault that focuses on balancing power and building community. Thirty-eight university researchers, survivors, and practitioners met to define and prioritize a research agenda on domestic violence and sexual assault, plan for continued collaboration, and evaluate the community-building process. This article presents data from focus groups, written evaluations, and researcher-participant observations that indicated the research topics that the participants ranked as the most important or useful to them and outlines the participants’ concerns about and suggestions for ongoing collaboration.

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