How do I decide which sampling strategy would fit my qualitative research?

Introduction

• Many researchers, particularly inexperienced researchers, have trouble comprehending qualitative research, its approaches, sampling strategies, data collection techniques, data analysis techniques, how to reach interview saturation points and other issues.

• Many people try to overcome these obstacles and ultimately produce a qualitative study.

• Sampling in qualitative research methodology is gaining importance as more researchers want to understand human nature and behaviour.

• Interviews are conducted with participants who can aid in the researcher's understanding of the research phenomenon.

• Those who know about the topic and can share their experience are often selected for a qualitative study.

• The researcher might watch situations or settings to gather more information and examine documents, artefacts, photographs, or drawings.

Sampling strategy

• Many sampling strategies for qualitative research exist and may be confusing for a new researcher.

• However, since the data gathered by qualitative research cannot be quantified, reaching a saturation point is considered a goal by the researchers.

• So it's crucial to use the correct sampling technique to include suitable subjects, respondents, or objects in the qualitative study, leading to an appropriate sample size

• Unlike quantitative research, the non-probability sampling method is used in a qualitative study.

The following steps may assist in the sampling strategy:

• Clarification of the research question: The researcher must ensure they clearly understand their research question and the type of data they need to answer it.

• Identification of the target population: The study population is determined, and the population characteristics relevant to the research question are considered.

• Consideration of the feasibility of different sampling strategies: The different sampling strategies based on the research question, the study purpose and the characteristics of the population are evaluated in this stage

• Evaluation of the strengths and limitations of different sampling strategies: Based on the quality and richness of the data that can be gathered, the representativeness of the sample, and the possibility of bias, the advantages and disadvantages of each sampling strategy are considered in qualitative research.

• Selection of a sampling strategy that fits the research question: Based on the factors mentioned above, a sampling strategy best suited for the research question and the type of data that is collected is selected.

• The researcher must remember that the sampling strategy should be selected to maximize the data's quality and depth rather than achieve statistical representativeness.

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