Identify and describe the 4 types of sampling methods that can be used in qualitative research. Give an example of each type of sampling method.
What will be an ideal response?
The 4 types of sampling are: (1) Systematic Sample: You may want to review case files to determine the degree to which initial assessments are following the agency’s protocols. This information could be useful for training new and more seasoned staff. For example, if you had 350 case files in your agency, you might want to look at 50 of them to evaluate the initial assessment documentation. In systematic sampling you would select every 7th file up to the 50th file. Patton (2002) points out that most probability samples are designed to generalize from a small group to the overall population. The rationale for many qualitative studies is to gain in-depth understanding. For qualitative studies with this focus, Patton suggests a more purposeful selection of cases. (2) Convenience Sampling: is a group of individuals who are selected because they meet the criteria of interest and are available. If a program evaluation project required information about community attitude, a convenience sample could be selected by soliciting participation from people in an open environment. (3) Purposive Sampling: The intention of many qualitative studies is to gain detailed knowledge about a specific group of individuals. When selecting a purposive sample, the evaluators know the specific characteristics of interest, and sample participants are chosen because they meet those criteria. (4) Snowball Sampling: As with the previous examples, qualitative evaluation projects often seek thorough information from service consumers who are not easily accessible by routine mechanisms. While it may be clear who the intended study participants are, it is unclear how to contact or find them. A snowball sample requires a chain of events that result in the identification of the sample. Key informants who are knowledgeable about the specific group of interest assist the evaluator in finding the possible participants. The key informant may be knowledgeable about the specific group or may be a member. The key informants identify possible participants and ask them if they would be interested in the specific project and, if so, ask them to contact the evaluation team.
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