Discuss sampling techniques appropriate to qualitative research

Jacob Lunden-WeldenIsabelle Persson

Ryan Jeon

Sampling techniques appropriate to qualitative research

Different from quantitative research as qualitative research is more open-ended

Sampling methods

Methods are classified as either Probability Non-probability

Probability

Believed to be the most rigorous approach to sampling for statistical research Quantitative methods use inferential statistical

tests based on samples that are randomly selected from a target

Non-probability

In qualitative research the sample is not intended to be statistically representative

The researcher may still want to have a representative sample from a target population However, the focus is not on statistical

representation

How are samples chosen?

A sample in qualitative research is chosen because it represents important characteristics of a population It is these characteristics that are the main

concern in evaluation of research

The different sampling procedures

Purposive sampling Snowball sampling Convenience sampling

Purposive sampling

Targets a particular group of people Researcher decides early on the criteria to be

used for sampling based on aim and previous knowledge within the field

How are participants chosen?

Participants chosen based on specific characteristics which will help the researcher explore the research topic fully Socio-economic characteristics: ex, people living in

poverty Specific experiences: ex, childhood abuse Social roles: ex, father

Reason: all features of relevance must be used in the sample

When is it useful?

Useful when researcher needs to obtain a sample quickly to investigate an urgent problem

Example: Introducing new rehabilitation scheme for people who have strokes Allows for detailed observation and investigation

on particular issues when using this scheme and can also help change certain features before the scheme is fully implemented on a broader scale

A good example for usage

May be only possible option if the desired population for the population is rare or hard to locate

Example: Studying elderly women who are homeless

Some problems

Problem: Sample may be biased Although it involves deliberate choices, it

doesn’t necessarily have to be biased as this risk is limited by basing the sampling process on objective criteria

What is Snowball Sampling

Method used to obtain research and knowledge from extended associations through previous acquaintances

“uses recommendations to find people with the specific range of skills that has been determined as being useful”

Builds networks and increases number of participants Success depends on the initial contacts made and the

number of participants

Method

1. Draft up a participation program2. Approach stakeholders and ask for contacts3. Gain contacts and ask them to participate4. Community issues groups may emerge that can be

included in the participation program5. Continue the snowballing with contacts to gain more

stakeholders if necessary6. Ensure a diversity of contacts by widening the profile of

people involved in this method

When to Use Snowball Sampling

Can be used to identify experts in a certain field 3M wanted to know the lead expert in surgical

drapes First contacted a veterinarian and a Broadway make-

up artist After interviewing these “experts” they requested

the experts to recommend any other leading experts The snowball has gained more snow and thus

information grows

Advantages

Quickly find people who are experts in their field since people know who are better than them at their own job

Find an increase in participant pool

Disadvantages

Inexact and can produce varied and inaccurate results

Heavily reliant on the skill of the sampling method Requires initial contacts which may be difficult Lack of definite knowledge that can cause

inaccurate readings Sampling must be controlled to prevent any

inaccurate trends

Convenience sampling

As the name suggests, this sampling focuses on convenience and availability.

Used in nearly all Internal Assessments of IB psychology.

An example of convenience sampling is simply asking if the participant want to join the experiment

Discussion question

Question 1: You want to do a study on midlife crisis, which sampling would be most fitting and why? Think of possible strengths and weaknesses of your

chosen sampling technique Question 2: You want to do a study on adolescent

behaviour, which sampling would be most fitting and why? Think of possible strengths and weaknesses of your

chosen sampling technique