Qualitative Sampling Strategy

Qualitative Sampling Strategy

Qualitative Sampling

Qualitative research aims to uncover the hidden patterns and develop a theory from the phenomena being explored. The qualitative research is an inductive research approach in which we are uncertain about the theory of the phenomena and we make observations. These observations are then analyzed to construct a theory. The process of sampling and data collection for qualitative research is quite different from quantitative research. The sampling strategy is critical to all researches, but unlike the quantitative research where one can research large sample sizes to increase accuracy and validity of the results, the qualitative research usually has limited sample size. One the chief reason for the limitation is the due to the limitation of the researcher to analyze the collected data. The collected data is often transcribed, coded and entered into the system. If the reporting language of the research and respondents are different, then the collected data requires translation which can increase the work of researcher. Considerations for Selecting Strategy

While selecting a sampling strategy, many factors needs to considered, as the approach of qualitative research guides the researcher in selecting its target sample and deciding the sample size.

The researcher must be explicit about the research objectives. The research objectives explain the depth of research required and provide an idea of the type of sample set and size appropriate for the research. The researcher should develop a profile of the population he wishes to analyze or gather data. The target population can be a single person, in case of Biographic approach or can contains people have sharing the similar culture as in our case of Ethnography.

The profiling of the target population is followed by development of criteria of samples to be included in the sampling. The sampling strategy also takes into account the budget, reporting time period, no of researchers working on the same project, the technique of sampling which will be used and the way data will be analyzed. Many other factors influence the decision criteria for the selecting the samples such as the length of the interview to be conducted or length of observation to be made, the number of samples, the selection of sample frame and method for approaching potential respondents (TBRG, n.d.). Many beneficial studies cannot be conducted because of accessibility of potential respondents and limitation of time with researchers.

Numerous ethical and cultural issues will have to consider while developing the sampling strategy (Miller et al., 2012). The respondents will have to explain of the use of data which is being collected. They will have to be requested to make themselves available for the research observations. As the research will be carried out in focus groups, it is essential that all people turn up on time and don't make anyone else wait for the session to start. The researcher is very closely involved in the research so it is important for the researcher to remain unbiased to avoid any influence in the research data being ...