There are many researchers engaged in qualitative research who look to
experts in this mode of inquiry to validate their findings. But can a
ny outsider, even an ''expert'' in qualitative research, do this? Such
an expert is unlikely to know the data as well or to be as fully imme
rsed in the project as the researcher. There are different kinds of ex
pertise that may be required for different phases and purposes of rese
arch, and to satisfy different epistemological and ethical concerns. M
oreover, new modes of participatory research have complicated the role
of expert and the idea of expertise. Researchers must be judicious in
their claims to expert validation, and experts must move researchers
away from a preoccupation with validation toward craftsmanship and acc
ountability to diverse communities. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.