Discuss sampling techniques appropriate to qualitative research

VERY different that quantitative research….By the way what kind of sampling do we use for quantitative research?

Random sampling is NOT used in qualitative research

• Because the goal is NOT to determine the universality of a behavior.

• Opportunity samples (a non random grab from a population) may be used but qualitative research sometimes demands even LESS random samples.

• 3 Types Discuss sampling techniques appropriate to qualitative research

What you did last year was an opportunity sample

Quota Sampling• You draw participants to reflect the population

trying to get the natural diversity.• For example, if you are using HHS as the population

you make sure to get the same amount for each grade and each gender.

Discuss sampling techniques appropriate to qualitative research

Purposive Sampling

• Where participants are chosen based on specific characteristics.

For example• They are all smokers• Gay men over 40• Debate team members

with red hair.

Discuss sampling techniques appropriate to qualitative research

Snowball Sampling

• Also called network sampling.

• The researcher asks participants if they could recommend other participants.

• This is often used with hidden populations (drug dealers, homeless people etc…)

Discuss sampling techniques appropriate to qualitative research

The dangers of purposive and snowballing….

• Bias Bias Bias…snowballing means people could have MORE in common that just trait studied (because they are probably friends).

• This makes the group REALLY not diverse and less generalizable.

• But it could help with trust when interviewing people.

Discuss sampling techniques appropriate to qualitative research