Question 1

Qualitative researchers use the conceptual demands of the study to select articulate and reflective informants with certain types of experience in an emergent way. What is a typical qualitative sample?

Accepted Answer

Qualitative research typically focuses on obtaining deep, detailed insights rather than generalizable data, thus it often involves small, nonrandom samples selected for their relevance to the research question rather than for statistical representativeness.

Question 2

Qualitative researchers often begin with a sample where potential participants come forward and identify themselves. What type of sample is being used?

Accepted Answer

Convenience sampling involves selecting participants who are readily available or willing to participate, which aligns with the description of participants coming forward and identifying themselves.

Question 3

Qualitative researchers, like quantitative researchers, sometimes ask early informants to refer to other study participants. What type of sample is being used?

Accepted Answer

Snowball sampling involves asking initial participants to refer other potential participants to the study, creating a "snowball" effect where the sample size grows as more participants refer others. This method is particularly useful in reaching populations that are difficult to access or identify.

Question 4

Many qualitative studies eventually evolve to selecting cases that will most benefit the study. What type of sample is being used?

Accepted Answer

Purposive sampling is used in qualitative studies to select cases that will most benefit the study based on specific purposes and criteria relevant to the research question.

Question 5

The broad category of purposive sampling involves general goals. What is one of the broad general goals?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The broad category of purposive sampling involves...

Question 6

Various purposive sampling strategies have been used by qualitative researchers. What is an important purposive strategy for sampling for representativeness or comparative value?

Accepted Answer

Maximum variation sampling is a purposive sampling strategy aimed at capturing a wide range of perspectives or variations within a population, making it important for representativeness or comparative value.

Question 7

Although many qualitative sampling strategies unfold while in the field, purposive sampling in the sequential category involves deliberative emergent efforts. What is an example of this category of purposive sampling?

Accepted Answer

Opportunistic sampling is an example of a purposive sampling strategy in the sequential category that involves taking advantage of unforeseen opportunities after fieldwork begins. This approach allows researchers to add to their sample based on emerging results and insights.

Question 8

What type of sample involves selecting cases that are especially important or illustrative?

Accepted Answer

Critical case sampling involves selecting cases that are particularly important, informative, or illustrative for the research question at hand, allowing researchers to gain a deep understanding of those cases and to draw insights that can be applied to a broader population.

Question 9

What type of sample identifies and gains access to a case representing a phenomenon that was previously inaccessible to research scrutiny?

Accepted Answer

Revelatory case sampling is used when a researcher has the opportunity to study a case that was previously inaccessible, offering unique insights into a phenomenon.

Question 10

What type of sample adds new cases based on changes in research circumstances or in response to new leads that develop in the field?

Accepted Answer

Opportunistic sampling involves adjusting the sampling strategy as the research progresses, taking advantage of new opportunities and insights that arise during the fieldwork. This approach allows researchers to add new cases based on changes in research circumstances or in response to new leads that develop in the field.

Question 11

What type of sample selects cases based on a recommendation of an expert or key informant?

Accepted Answer

Reputational case sampling involves selecting cases based on the recommendation of an expert or key informant, who identifies individuals or entities that are particularly knowledgeable about or experienced with the phenomenon of interest.

Question 12

What type of sample selects cases that are intense but not extreme?

Accepted Answer

Intensity sampling focuses on cases that are intense examples of the phenomenon of interest but are not extreme, providing rich information without the potential distortions of extreme cases.

Question 13

What type of sample occurs when only average, above average, or below average cases are selected?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What type of sample occurs when only...

Question 14

What main qualitative tradition is theoretical sampling guided by?

Accepted Answer

Theoretical sampling is a method primarily used in grounded theory studies, where data collection is guided by the emerging theory.

Question 15

Which type of sample may require more cases to reach data saturation?

Accepted Answer

Convenience samples often require more cases to reach data saturation because they are not as targeted or specific as other sampling methods like purposive, theoretical, or extreme case samples. This means that a broader range of data might be collected, necessitating a larger sample size to fully understand the breadth of the phenomenon being studied.

Question 16

What is data saturation?

Accepted Answer

Data saturation is reached when additional data does not lead to new information or insights on the research topic, indicating that the data collection can cease as further sampling yields redundant information.

Question 17

What type of researcher often uses key informants who serve as guides and interpreters of the culture?

Accepted Answer

Ethnographers often use key informants who serve as guides and interpreters of the culture they are studying, as this approach helps them gain a deeper understanding of the cultural context and nuances.

Question 18

Phenomenologists typically work with what size sample who meets the criterion of having lived the experience under study?

Accepted Answer

Phenomenologists often work with small sample sizes, typically 10 or fewer participants, to deeply explore and understand the essence of a particular lived experience. This approach allows for in-depth data collection and analysis.

Question 19

Grounded theory researchers typically work with what size sample?

Accepted Answer

Grounded theory research does not prescribe a specific number of participants; instead, it emphasizes the concept of theoretical saturation. This means that data collection continues until no new information is obtained, and data redundancy is achieved. However, in practice, sample sizes of 20-30 are common as they often allow researchers to reach saturation. The exact number can vary widely depending on the study's context and the richness of the data.

Question 20

Generalizability in qualitative research is controversial. What widely used model of generalizability involves judgments about whether findings from an inquiry can be extrapolated to a different setting or group of people?

Accepted Answer

Transferability is a concept in qualitative research that refers to the extent to which the findings of one study can be applied to other contexts or groups. It is the qualitative researcher's equivalent to generalizability in quantitative research, emphasizing the importance of providing detailed descriptions that allow readers to evaluate the applicability of the findings to other settings or populations.

Quiz 21: Sampling in Qualitative Research