Conceptual Mapping Task: An Effective Verification Tool for Qualitative Counseling Research

Abstract

This article introduces the conceptual mapping task (CMT) as a semi-structured interviewing procedure that includes four distinct, in vivo member-checking features. An interview protocol is provided for novice and advanced counseling researchers who are interested in utilizing the CMT. Two case studies illustrate the versatility of this trans-theoretical tool and its potential use across the spectrum of approaches to qualitative inquiry. The CMT can be used as a strategy to (a) increase a study's trustworthiness when there are obstacles to repeated participant contact, (b) elicit rich data, and (c) add methodological rigor in counseling research. Preliminary implications for clinical supervisors and professional counselors are provided.

Keywords:

• Conceptual mapping
• member checking
• verification procedures

Declaration of Conflicting Interests

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Funding

The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jonathan Impellizzeri

Jonathan Impellizzeri is an associate professor of Counseling and Coordinator of the Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Program at Geneva College. He also serves as the Co-Clinical Director at the Cognitive Behavior Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His research interests include marriage and family counseling best practices, the integration of religion/spirituality in clinical supervision and counseling, and innovation in qualitative research.

David M. Savinsky

David M. Savinsky is an assistant professor of Counseling and Clinical Training Coordinator of the MA and PhD counseling programs in the School of Psychology & Counseling at Regent University. He also is co-owner of Beach Therapy & Consulting in Virginia Beach, Virginia and is intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Research interests include evidenced-based treatment for adolescent psychopathology, family therapy, qualitative research methodology and mindfulness in teaching/supervision.

John A. King

John A. King is an adjunct professor of Psychology at Messiah College, associate pastor at Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church, and clinical director of Grace Like a River Counseling in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. His research and writing interests include the areas of making the transition to healthy male adulthood, parenting adopted and foster children, and addiction recovery.

Linda Leitch-Alford

Linda Leitch-Alford is currently in private practice in Yorktown, Virginia and contributes to counselor training in Ukraine. Her previous professional work includes 20 plus years of private practice in the Chicago area, program coordinator for the CES PhD program at Regent University, and faculty member at Eastern Mennonite University and Saint Xavier University of Chicago. Her research interests include application of the CMT, Counselor application of ethics, and Women's issues.