HMMPYC 80 –
Research Methodology
Section D – Chapter 18:
Sampling Techniques and Pilot Studies in
Qualitative Research
, 1. Introduction:
► The notion behind sampling theory is that a small set of observation can give an idea of
what can be expected in the total population of the intended study.
2. Differences in Sampling
between the Two Approaches:
► Sampling is used in qualitative research, though it is less structured, less focused on
probability than in quantitative research, and less strictly applied than in the case of
quantitative research.
► There are no hard and fast rules for sample size in qualitative inquiry.
- Sample size depends on what we want to know, the purpose of the inquiry, what is at
stake, what will be useful, what will have credibility, and what can be done with the
available time and resources.
- In qualitative research, sampling occurs subsequent to establishing the circumstances of
the study clearly and directly - to gain transferability instead of generalizability.
- Transferability can be achieved by providing a thick description of the phenomenon that
was studied.
► In quantitative research the focus is on the use of a representative sample to gain
generalization of the data, while in qualitative research the focus is on a deeper insight into
a phenomenon - until data saturation is reached.
► Flexibility in qualitative research allows possible modifications that can be done at any time
during the study and would therefore have to be considered when sampling decisions are
made.
- This kind of flexibility sampling is undertaken after the actual investigation has
commenced.
► Sarantakos describes sampling in qualitative research as being relatively limited, based on
saturation not representation, the size is not statistically determined, and involving low cost
and less time.
- It can therefore be inferred that in qualitative investigations non -probability sampling is
used almost without exception.
► Sample size in qualitative research is seen as more complicated th an in quantitative
research, which depends largely on probability sampling.
► At the proposal stage of the study a projected sample size must be provided, but it should
be accompanied by an acknowledgement about the flexible nature of qualitative sampling.
- The sample size can be larger or smaller than anticipated.
► You must always remember that quality, to gain in depth and saturated data, rather than
quantity or width, is the main emphasis of qualitative studies - the intent remains not to
generalize but to clarify the particular and the specific.
Research Methodology
Section D – Chapter 18:
Sampling Techniques and Pilot Studies in
Qualitative Research
, 1. Introduction:
► The notion behind sampling theory is that a small set of observation can give an idea of
what can be expected in the total population of the intended study.
2. Differences in Sampling
between the Two Approaches:
► Sampling is used in qualitative research, though it is less structured, less focused on
probability than in quantitative research, and less strictly applied than in the case of
quantitative research.
► There are no hard and fast rules for sample size in qualitative inquiry.
- Sample size depends on what we want to know, the purpose of the inquiry, what is at
stake, what will be useful, what will have credibility, and what can be done with the
available time and resources.
- In qualitative research, sampling occurs subsequent to establishing the circumstances of
the study clearly and directly - to gain transferability instead of generalizability.
- Transferability can be achieved by providing a thick description of the phenomenon that
was studied.
► In quantitative research the focus is on the use of a representative sample to gain
generalization of the data, while in qualitative research the focus is on a deeper insight into
a phenomenon - until data saturation is reached.
► Flexibility in qualitative research allows possible modifications that can be done at any time
during the study and would therefore have to be considered when sampling decisions are
made.
- This kind of flexibility sampling is undertaken after the actual investigation has
commenced.
► Sarantakos describes sampling in qualitative research as being relatively limited, based on
saturation not representation, the size is not statistically determined, and involving low cost
and less time.
- It can therefore be inferred that in qualitative investigations non -probability sampling is
used almost without exception.
► Sample size in qualitative research is seen as more complicated th an in quantitative
research, which depends largely on probability sampling.
► At the proposal stage of the study a projected sample size must be provided, but it should
be accompanied by an acknowledgement about the flexible nature of qualitative sampling.
- The sample size can be larger or smaller than anticipated.
► You must always remember that quality, to gain in depth and saturated data, rather than
quantity or width, is the main emphasis of qualitative studies - the intent remains not to
generalize but to clarify the particular and the specific.
