This Perspectives Reflection synthesizes central findings from a three-year deliberative process involving hundreds of political scientists.
The Qualitative Transparency Deliberations (QTD)
- A series of public, online conversations at www.qualtd.net
- Focused on transparency norms in qualitative research
Key Insights & Concerns
- Promise: Enhanced openness and evaluability of empirical claims
- Practicalities: Implementation challenges across different methodologies
- Risks/Limitations: Potential unintended consequences for scholarly inquiry
- Nuances: Transparency's relevance varies by research context and evidence type
Practical Guidance Provided
- For scholars designing qualitative studies
- For editors, reviewers, and funders developing evaluation criteria
This synthesis offers actionable advice while honoring the diverse perspectives within political science.

