Chapter 5: Selecting a Sample

Transcription

1 Chapter 5: Selecting a Sample Objectives Explain how to select a sample for Qualitative research. 1

2 Sampling in Qualitative Research In qualitative sampling a small number of participants are selected that will be good informants. Good informants are thoughtful and reflective. Good informants communicate effectively. Good informants are comfortable with the researcher and within the research site. 2

3 Sampling in Qualitative Research Qualitative samples are smaller and less representative. Generalizability and representativeness are not the same concern in qualitative research as they are in quantitative research. 3

4 Sampling in Qualitative Research Sample size in qualitative research is determined by the following: The range of participants available and the degree to which range in participants is consistent with what is found in the population. Participants may be sampled until data saturation. Data saturation occurs when additional participants are not providing new information. 4

5 Intensity sampling occurs when the researcher selects participants who represent different levels of the research topic. e.g., A researcher might select some new administrators and some more experienced ones for his study. 5

6 Homogeneous sampling occurs when the researcher selects participants who represent a similar experience. e.g., A researcher might select only middle class women whose mother s stayed at home during the school day. 6

7 Criterion sampling occurs when the researcher selects cases that fit a certain criteria. e.g., A researcher may select only those participants who are first generation law school students. 7

8 Snowball sampling occurs when the researcher selects new participants based upon other participant s suggestions regarding who else might be studied. e.g., A researcher might be interested in high school students who are not in school activities but are involved in out-of-school activities. Once she has identified some participants she may ask them if they know of others who may fit her criteria. 8

9 Random-purposive sampling occurs when the researcher generates a larger than needed potential sample and randomly selects from that sample. e.g., A researcher might purposively sample teachers within a specific district and then randomly select 3 teachers to represent the sample. 9