Naturalistic inquiry and the saturation concept: a research note

TLDR

Saturation is frequently cited in qualitative studies yet often lacks definition or explanation, making its identification difficult without clear guidelines. This note investigates the saturation concept within naturalistic inquiry and the difficulties it poses for researchers. It outlines the saturation process observed in a grounded‑theory study of community‑based antipoverty projects. The authors argue that saturation claims must be justified by a clear description of how saturation was reached and by evidence demonstrating its occurrence.

Abstract

Saturation is mentioned in many qualitative research reports without any explanation of what it means and how it occurred. Recognizing the saturation point presents a challenge to qualitative researchers, especially in the absence of explicit guidelines for determining data or theoretical saturation. This research note examines the saturation concept in naturalistic inquiry and the challenges it presents. In particular, it summarizes the saturation process in a grounded theory study of community-based antipoverty projects. The main argument advanced in this research note is that claims of saturation should be supported by an explanation of how saturation was achieved and substantiated by clear evidence of its occurrence.