qualitative quality and the importance of play: reflections on the big-tent model

Tracy’s (2010) big-tent model is a well-established, highly cited approach for assessing qualitative quality with eight criteria: a) worthy topic, b) rich rigor, c) sincerity, d) credibility, e) resonance, f) significant contribution, g) ethics, and h) meaningful coherence. in this piece, we reflect on the big-tent model’s functions, strengths, and recent extensions. looking forward, we highlight the importance of play in producing excellent qualitative research and creating space for methodological innovation. examples of play and what it can look like in qualitative research are included.