This study addresses the gap in literature by exploring the application of the audit trail process in interpretive research, especially in education and linguistics studies. The paper argues that a comprehensive audit trail can enhance the credibility of qualitative research by promoting transparency and accountability in the research process. Specifically, the study examines how the audit trail process was used in content-analysis in language coursebooks, highlighting the importance of implementing the audit trail in similar qualitative research studies. Through this investigation, the paper aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on enhancing the rigour of qualitative research.