Authenticity in research is an essential concept that ensures the conduct and evaluation of the research are genuine and credible. It signifies that the research is valuable and contributes meaningfully to the field. The research should accurately reflect the participants' experiences and perspectives without distortion or manipulation. For instance, if a researcher selectively includes or excludes specific data to fit a preconceived conclusion, this would be a distortion.
Research should accurately reflect the experiences and perspectives of the participants without any distortion or manipulation. For example, if a researcher selectively includes or excludes specific data to support a preconceived conclusion, this constitutes a distortion. In essence, authenticity means that the research is "true to itself" and faithfully represents the subject matter., this signifies that the research is "true to itself" and faithfully represents the subject matter.