Purposive sampling

Searched over 200M research papers for "purposive sampling"

Research Analysis by Consensus

Consensus Meter

Yes

Possibly

Introduction

Purposive sampling is a non-probability sampling technique where the researcher selects participants based on specific characteristics or criteria relevant to the study. This method is often used in qualitative research to ensure that the sample closely aligns with the research objectives, thereby enhancing the depth and relevance of the data collected.

Key Insights

Efficiency and Relevance:
- Purposive sampling is effective for studying specific cultural domains with knowledgeable experts, ensuring the reliability and competence of informants.
- It helps in achieving a manageable amount of data by prioritizing studies that are most relevant, have rich data, and represent a wide geographic spread.
Rigour and Trustworthiness:
- This method improves the rigour of the study by better matching the sample to the research aims and objectives, thus enhancing credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability .
- Making explicit the approach used for participant sampling provides improved methodological rigour, as demonstrated in various case studies .
Comparison with Other Sampling Methods:
- Purposive sampling, while inherently biased, remains robust and can be more efficient than random probability sampling in certain contexts.
- It is often compared with convenience sampling, with the choice between the two depending on the nature and type of the research .
Limitations and Considerations:
- The findings from purposive samples can only be generalized to the subpopulation from which the sample is drawn, not to the entire population.
- Online purposive samples may have unknown biases and should ideally be interpreted in conjunction with probability samples and ethnographic fieldwork to ensure external validity .
Application in Various Contexts:
- Purposive sampling can be integrated into different contexts depending on the study design, as shown in case studies involving mental wellbeing and stakeholder views .
- It is also used in field quality control of engineering projects, where it can be implemented alongside random sampling, provided the limitations are recognized.

Conclusion

Purposive sampling is a valuable technique in qualitative research, offering efficiency and relevance by selecting participants who best meet the study's objectives. It enhances the rigour and trustworthiness of the research but comes with limitations regarding generalizability. The method's robustness and applicability across various contexts make it a crucial tool for researchers, especially when random sampling is impractical. However, researchers must be mindful of its inherent biases and consider complementary methods to ensure comprehensive and valid results.