17 Questions
What is the aim of sampling in qualitative research?
To gain a richness of context-specific data
What is a vital component of the validity of a research project?
Sampling
What determines the sample size in qualitative inquiry?
The purpose of the inquiry and what’s at stake
What does sample size (N) depend upon in qualitative research?
The heterogeneity of the population and the number of selection criteria
What is the process of sampling in qualitative research?
The process of selecting people within a population to be participants in a study
What is the main difference between sampling for qualitative and quantitative research?
The aim to gain richness of context-specific data in qualitative research
What are considerations for sampling in qualitative research?
The aims of the study, target population, recruitment sources, participant characteristics, data collection, and project budget
What are the factors that determine the sample size in qualitative inquiry?
The heterogeneity of the population and the number of selection criteria
What is data saturation in qualitative research?
The point at which no new information is forthcoming from additional participants or settings
Why are sample sizes typically smaller in qualitative research compared to quantitative research?
Qualitative research aims to understand phenomena in depth
What is the purpose of discussing the reasons behind the chosen sample size in qualitative research?
To provide transparency and justification for the research methods
What is the significance of data saturation in qualitative research?
It indicates that enough data has been collected to understand the phenomena
Why has data saturation in qualitative research been subject to critical discussion?
It is subjective and often difficult to achieve
What does the size and scope of a sample in qualitative research determine?
The representativeness of the findings
Why are sample sizes typically smaller in qualitative research?
To focus on understanding phenomena in depth
What is the primary reason for justifying small sample sizes in qualitative research?
To explain the rationale behind the chosen sample size
What is the role of data saturation in determining the endpoint of data collection in qualitative research?
To identify the point at which no new information is forthcoming
Study Notes
Sampling in Qualitative Research
- The aim of sampling in qualitative research is to select a subset of participants that can provide rich, detailed, and insightful data to answer the research question.
Validity of a Research Project
- A vital component of the validity of a research project is the sampling strategy, which can affect the credibility and trustworthiness of the findings.
Sample Size in Qualitative Inquiry
- The sample size in qualitative research is determined by the concept of data saturation, which occurs when no new information or themes emerge from the data.
- The sample size (N) depends on the research question, study design, and the researchers' judgment of when data saturation is reached.
Sampling Process
- The process of sampling in qualitative research involves purposive sampling, where participants are selected based on their ability to provide in-depth information about the research topic.
Comparison between Qualitative and Quantitative Research
- The main difference between sampling for qualitative and quantitative research is the focus on depth versus breadth, with qualitative research seeking rich, detailed data from a smaller sample, and quantitative research seeking to generalize to a larger population.
Considerations for Sampling
- Considerations for sampling in qualitative research include the research question, study design, population, and the need to achieve data saturation.
Factors that Determine Sample Size
- The factors that determine the sample size in qualitative inquiry include the research question, study design, and the point at which data saturation is reached.
Data Saturation
- Data saturation is the point at which no new information or themes emerge from the data, indicating that the sample size is sufficient.
- The significance of data saturation is that it ensures that the data is comprehensive and that the research findings are reliable.
Sample Size in Qualitative Research
- Sample sizes are typically smaller in qualitative research compared to quantitative research because the focus is on depth and richness of data rather than breadth and generalizability.
- The primary reason for justifying small sample sizes in qualitative research is the achievement of data saturation.
Role of Data Saturation
- The role of data saturation is to determine the endpoint of data collection, ensuring that the data is comprehensive and that the research findings are reliable.
Critique of Data Saturation
- Data saturation has been subject to critical discussion due to concerns about the arbitrary nature of determining when data saturation is reached.
Size and Scope of a Sample
- The size and scope of a sample in qualitative research determine the depth and richness of the data, which in turn affects the validity and reliability of the research findings.
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