Purposive sampling
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Understanding Purposive Sampling in Research
Introduction to Purposive Sampling
Purposive sampling, also known as judgmental or authoritative sampling, is a non-probability sampling technique where the researcher selects participants based on specific characteristics or qualities that align with the study's objectives. This method is particularly useful when studying a specific cultural domain or when expert knowledge is required2 9.
Application in Qualitative Research
Ensuring Data Richness and Relevance
In qualitative research, purposive sampling is employed to ensure that the data collected is rich and relevant to the research objectives. For instance, in a study on parental perceptions of vaccination communication, a three-step framework was used to sample studies based on geographic diversity, data richness, and alignment with synthesis objectives. This approach helped manage the data volume and ensured a thorough analysis1.
Enhancing Methodological Rigour
Purposive sampling enhances the rigour of qualitative research by aligning the sample with the study's aims and objectives. This alignment improves the credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability of the research findings. Case studies have demonstrated how purposive sampling can be integrated into various contexts to ensure methodological rigour3 6.
Comparison with Other Sampling Techniques
Convenience Sampling vs. Purposive Sampling
While both convenience and purposive sampling are non-probability techniques, they serve different purposes. Convenience sampling is based on the ease of access to participants, whereas purposive sampling is based on specific criteria relevant to the study. Although non-probability sampling techniques have limitations, they are useful when randomization is impossible or when resources are limited5 7.
Online Purposive Sampling
Online purposive sampling is increasingly used to study hidden populations. However, it has inherent biases and may not always be representative of the wider population. Studies comparing online purposive samples with probability samples have found significant demographic differences, highlighting the need for careful interpretation and, ideally, a combination with probability samples and ethnographic fieldwork4 8.
Challenges and Considerations
Bias and Representativeness
One of the main challenges of purposive sampling is the potential for bias, as the sample is selected based on the researcher's judgment. This bias can affect the representativeness of the sample and the generalizability of the findings. Researchers must ensure that the selected sample is as representative as possible of the population being studied2 9.
Ethical Considerations
Ethical considerations are crucial in purposive sampling, especially in healthcare research. Researchers must ensure that the sampling strategy is ethical and that all relevant cases are considered to fully answer the research question. Excluding certain groups may lead to incomplete or biased findings6.
Conclusion
Purposive sampling is a valuable tool in both qualitative and quantitative research, particularly when specific expertise or characteristics are required. While it has its challenges, such as potential bias and issues with representativeness, careful application and consideration of ethical principles can enhance the quality and rigour of the research. By understanding and addressing these challenges, researchers can effectively use purposive sampling to gather meaningful and relevant data.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Purposive sampling in a qualitative evidence synthesis: a worked example from a synthesis on parental perceptions of vaccination communication
Purposive sampling in a qualitative evidence synthesis on vaccination communication ensured a wide geographic spread, rich data, and a focus that closely resembled our synthesis objective.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedPurposive Sampling as a Tool for Informant Selection
Purposive sampling is an effective technique for selecting knowledgeable experts in ethnobotanical research, ensuring reliable and competent data collection.
Highly CitedPurposive sampling: complex or simple? Research case examples
Purposive sampling improves methodological rigour and trustworthiness in qualitative research by aligning with the research methodology, aims, and objectives, enhancing credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability.
Observational StudyHighly CitedHidden Populations, Online Purposive Sampling, and External Validity
Online purposive samples of hidden populations should be interpreted alongside probability samples and ethnographic fieldwork to accurately infer demographic and drug use characteristics of hidden populations.
Highly CitedThe Inconvenient Truth About Convenience and Purposive Samples
Good sampling techniques are crucial for validating research findings, as convenience and purposive samples can only generalize to the subpopulation from which they are drawn.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedCommentary: Purposive sampling: complex or simple? Research case examples
This paper provides real-life examples of purposive sampling, highlighting key considerations for novice researchers, while highlighting the importance of ethical sampling strategies in qualitative research.
Comparison of Convenience Sampling and Purposive Sampling
The choice between Convenience Sampling and Purposive Sampling depends on the nature and type of the research, with both techniques having limitations and their usefulness depending on the situation.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedRepresentativeness of online purposive sampling with Australian cannabis cultivators.
Online purposive sampling of Australian cannabis cultivators is not representative, but it provides greater confidence in our methodology using internet and traditional recruitment sources.
Meta-AnalysisJudgmental sampling.
Judgmental sampling is a more accurate method for selecting a representative sample than using probability sampling techniques.
Rigorous JournalApproaches to sampling and case selection in qualitative research: examples in the geography of health.
Miles and Huberman's framework is useful for evaluating sampling strategies in qualitative research, highlighting potential and constraints in selecting 'healing places', rural places with anti-malarial policies, and young male interviewees.
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