Discussion: Purposeful Sampling and Saturation

What is a good sample in qualitative research? It is NOT about size or generalizability.

The answer lies in how clearly you articulatethe criteria for selecting data sources; (b) your ability topurposefully select cases; and (c) the extent to which those cases are“information-rich… for in-depth study” (Patton, 2015, p. 264) withrespect to the purpose of the study.

As youprepare for this week’s Discussion, consider turning your attention tothe variety of purposeful sampling strategies you may consider indeveloping your research plan. Also consider that qualitativeresearchers seek a threshold or cut-off point for when to stopcollecting data. There is no magic number (although there areguidelines). Rather, saturation occurs as an interface between theresearcher and the data and (b) between data collection and dataanalysis to determine when enough is enough.

For this Discussion, you will critique a sampling strategy used in a research article.

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Review the Guest, Bunce, and Johnson article; the Yob and Brewerarticle; and the Learning Resources related to sampling and saturationfor this week.

By Day 3

Prepare a critique of the sampling strategy used by Yob and Brewer (n.d.). Include the following your critique:

• The purpose of the study
• Research questions
• Site selection
• The type of purposeful sampling strategy the researchers applied. (Note:Use Table 4.3 in the Ravitch & Carl text or from Patton’s Chapter 5to identify and describe the strategy that you think best fits whatthey described.)
• An alternative sampling strategy that the researchers could haveconsidered. Explain your choice in terms of how the strategy isconsistent with their research purpose and criteria for selecting cases.
• Provide a data saturation definition and evaluate the work of theresearchers in this article regarding their efforts to achieve datasaturation. Note what the researchers could have done differently toconvince you that the relevant and important themes emerged.

Be sure to support your main post andresponse post with reference to the week’s Learning Resources and otherscholarly evidence in APA style.