QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS Sampling and Sample Size in Qualitative Research Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is the key distinction between qualitative sampling and quantitative sampling?
Qualitative sampling focuses on access to phenomena of interest, while quantitative sampling emphasizes representativeness.
What are the two types of access in qualitative sampling?
- Physical
- Social
How does qualitative sampling evolve during a study?
It is flexible and evolves as the study progresses, adjusting based on previous selections.
What is the stopping point for qualitative sampling?
Selection continues until redundancy is reached, where no new information is contributed.
What is the purpose of purposeful sampling?
To select information-rich cases strategically and purposefully.
Define extreme/deviant case sampling.
It involves selecting cases that are information-rich due to unusual phenomena.
What is intensity sampling?
Selecting information-rich cases that manifest the phenomenon intensely but not extremely.
What is maximum variation sampling?
Purposefully picking a wide range of cases to document unique and diverse variations.
What does homogeneous sampling focus on?
It reduces variation by selecting a particular subgroup for in-depth study.
What is the goal of typical case sampling?
To illustrate what is typical, normal, or average.
What is critical case sampling used for?
To permit logical generalization about a case to the larger population.
What is snowball/chain sampling?
A method that involves asking well-situated people for referrals to other information-rich individuals.
Define criterion sampling.
Picking cases that meet specific criteria relevant to the study.
What is theory-based sampling?
Finding manifestations of a theoretical construct of interest to elaborate and examine its variations.
What does confirming or disconfirming cases sampling involve?
Elaborating on initial analysis by seeking exceptions or variations.
What is opportunistic or emergent sampling?
Following new leads during fieldwork and taking advantage of unexpected opportunities.
What is a common misconception regarding sample size in qualitative research?
That numbers are not important.
What factors determine sample size in qualitative research?
- What you want to know
- The purpose of the inquiry
- What is at stake
- What will be useful
- What will have credibility
- What can be done within time and resources
What is the ‘Magic 20’ in qualitative research?
A commonly considered adequate sample size.
What is saturation of themes in qualitative research?
When the same themes reoccur and participants report similar views and experiences.
What does saturation of theoretical categories involve?
Engagement with data and theoretical construction beyond just saturation of themes.
What can prematurely lead to saturation in sampling?
- Narrow sampling frame
- Skewed analytical perspective
- Insufficiently rich information from the method
- Inability to go beyond surface-level responses
What type of sampling is considered to have the poorest rationale?
Convenient sampling.
