Mind maps: establishing 'trustworthiness' in qualitative research.

AIM: To present the use of mind maps as a way of seeking participant verification of an emerging theoretical framework. DATA SOURCES: Exploratory interviews, based on three pre-identified study themes--impact, need for help and support, and meaning and/or sense-making--were carried out with the parents of three sub-groups of children with disabilities or complex health needs. These were: children with disabilities, children with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses, and children dependent on technology. A random sample of participants was subsequently presented with a series of mind maps that represented the themes, categories and sub-categories (and the relationships between them) contained within a rich and complex dataset. Participants were invited to confirm or challenge elements of the mind maps to verify the researcher's interpretation of their experiences when caring for their children. DISCUSSION: Major areas of consistency were identified in the experience of parents of children across the three study sub-groups.
CONCLUSION: Mind-maps are already well established as a tool for analysing complex data sets. This study offers a novel approach to the use of mind maps as a means of seeking participant verification of an emerging theoretical framework. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH/PRACTICE: The use of mind maps when seeking participant verification of qualitative data will require further testing.