TY - JOUR
T1 - A practical example of using theoretical sampling throughout a grounded theory study
T2 - A methodological paper
AU - Ligita, Titan
AU - Harvey, Nichole
AU - Wicking, Kristin
AU - Nurjannah, Intansari
AU - Francis, Karen
N1 - Funding Information:
This paper is part of a doctoral degree programme. The authors acknowledge the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Government, for the funding provided for Titan Ligita's Doctor of Philosophy study at James Cook University, Australia.
PY - 2020/1/20
Y1 - 2020/1/20
N2 - Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the practical use of theoretical sampling as a method for selecting data that provide a richer and deeper understanding of the phenomenon being investigated. Design/methodology/approach: Theoretical sampling is a well-known method in grounded theory studies to seek additional data based on concepts developed from initial data analysis. This method involves following where the data have led to expand and refine the evolving theory during the analytical process. However, there is a dearth of information detailing the practical steps needed to undertake theoretical sampling. Findings: The authors used the theoretical sampling method in their study in four ways: asking additional interview questions and/or widening the scope of existing interview questions; recruiting participants with additional diversity of attributes within the same group; and adding a new group of participants and expanding research settings. Originality/value: Theoretical sampling is a valuable and practical method for the purpose of addressing gaps in the data in qualitative research. When using theoretical sampling, it is essential to consider potential strategies for countering challenges that may arise. Practical recommendations are offered on the use of theoretical sampling during data analysis, for the purpose of achieving theoretical integration.
AB - Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the practical use of theoretical sampling as a method for selecting data that provide a richer and deeper understanding of the phenomenon being investigated. Design/methodology/approach: Theoretical sampling is a well-known method in grounded theory studies to seek additional data based on concepts developed from initial data analysis. This method involves following where the data have led to expand and refine the evolving theory during the analytical process. However, there is a dearth of information detailing the practical steps needed to undertake theoretical sampling. Findings: The authors used the theoretical sampling method in their study in four ways: asking additional interview questions and/or widening the scope of existing interview questions; recruiting participants with additional diversity of attributes within the same group; and adding a new group of participants and expanding research settings. Originality/value: Theoretical sampling is a valuable and practical method for the purpose of addressing gaps in the data in qualitative research. When using theoretical sampling, it is essential to consider potential strategies for countering challenges that may arise. Practical recommendations are offered on the use of theoretical sampling during data analysis, for the purpose of achieving theoretical integration.
KW - Data selection
KW - Grounded theory
KW - Qualitative research methods
KW - Theoretical sampling
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85076853318&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1108/QRJ-07-2019-0059
DO - 10.1108/QRJ-07-2019-0059
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85076853318
VL - 20
SP - 116
EP - 126
JO - Qualitative Research Journal
JF - Qualitative Research Journal
SN - 1448-0980
IS - 1
ER -