Discuss sampling techniques
appropriate to qualitative research
VERY different that quantitative
research….
By the way what kind of sampling do we
use for quantitative research?
Random sampling is NOT used in
qualitative research
• Because the goal is NOT
to determine the
universality of a behavior.
• Opportunity samples (a
non random grab from a
population) may be used
but qualitative research
sometimes demands even
LESS random samples.
• 3 Types
What you did last year was an opportunity
sample
Discuss sampling techniques appropriate to
qualitative research
Quota Sampling
• You draw participants to reflect the population
trying to get the natural diversity.
• For example, if you are using HHS as the population
you make sure to get the same amount for each
grade and each gender.
Discuss sampling techniques appropriate to
qualitative research
Purposive Sampling
• Where participants are
chosen based on
specific characteristics.
For example
• They are all smokers
• Gay men over 40
• Debate team members
with red hair.
Discuss sampling techniques appropriate to
qualitative research
Snowball Sampling
• Also called network
sampling.
• The researcher asks
participants if they
could recommend other
participants.
• This is often used with
hidden populations
(drug dealers, homeless
people etc…)
Discuss sampling techniques appropriate to
qualitative research
The dangers of purposive and
snowballing….
• Bias Bias Bias…snowballing
means people could have
MORE in common that just
trait studied (because they
are probably friends).
• This makes the group
REALLY not diverse and less
generalizable.
• But it could help with trust
when interviewing people.
Discuss sampling techniques appropriate to
qualitative research