Sampling in Qualitative Research

TLDR

Sampling is widely discussed in quantitative gerontology research, yet it has also been central to social and humanistic inquiry, though with different aims. The article aims to explicitly discuss qualitative sampling, outline its guiding principles, and propose the concept of qualitative clarity to guide assessments. The authors describe common questions and outline guiding principles, rationales, features, and practices for sampling in qualitative research. The study concludes by proposing qualitative clarity, a set of principles analogous to statistical power, to guide assessments of qualitative sampling.

Abstract

In gerontology the most recognized and elaborate discourse about sampling is generally thought to be in quantitative research associated with survey research and medical research. But sampling has long been a central concern in the social and humanistic inquiry, albeit in a different guise suited to the different goals. There is a need for more explicit discussion of qualitative sampling issues. This article will outline the guiding principles and rationales, features, and practices of sampling in qualitative research. It then describes common questions about sampling in qualitative research. In conclusion it proposes the concept of qualitative clarity as a set of principles (analogous to statistical power) to guide assessments of qualitative sampling in a particular study or proposal.