Thick description

How it is used

In qualitative writing, detail should illuminate meaning, not just lengthen prose.

Example sentences

1. The thick description explains why silence during the meeting signaled respect.

   Silence is interpreted within its cultural setting.

2. Our thick description includes the classroom routines surrounding each interruption.

   Routine context helps readers understand the interruptions.

Common collocations

• provide thick description
• rich thick description

Related terms

• descriptive accountAn explanation that mainly reports features or events in detail, without much interpretation, evaluation, or argument.
• contextThe situation, background or conditions in which something happens or is studied, which help explain its meaning.

More terms: Research Design

• research
• research question
• hypothesis
• methodology
• qualitative
• quantitative
• sample
• participant
• questionnaire
• case study
• carry out
• validity