This paper is primarily based on literature research and it is divided among five parts, which are: (1) Introduction (2) The Approach to Sampling (3) Purposive Sampling (4) Purposive Sampling and Its Holistic Applicability (5) Conclusion. The discussions are aimed at explaining the necessity of sampling in general and purposive sampling in particular. The paper also attempts to homogenise the various management studies fields and scenarios.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Approach to Sampling
- Purposive Sampling
- Purposive Sampling and Its Holistic Applicability
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to explain the necessity of sampling, particularly purposive sampling, in research. It seeks to address the challenges of researching large or inaccessible populations and to highlight the effectiveness of purposive sampling as a solution in various research contexts.
- The challenges of sampling in research
- The methodology of purposive sampling
- Applications of purposive sampling in different research areas
- Advantages and limitations of purposive sampling
- Ethical considerations in purposive sampling
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the critical role of sampling in research, emphasizing the practical impossibility of studying entire populations. It highlights the need for sampling techniques, particularly in scenarios involving large or inaccessible populations, using examples such as studying AIDS victims in South Africa or trade union members in Greece during the 2011 financial crisis. The chapter sets the stage for a discussion on purposive sampling as a valuable methodology for addressing these challenges.
The Approach to Sampling: This chapter delves into the complexities of sampling in qualitative research, acknowledging the variety of approaches and potential terminological inconsistencies. It emphasizes the difficulties researchers can face when choosing appropriate sampling methods, particularly concerning the overlapping nature of various sampling types. The chapter positions purposive sampling as a solution to common research problems, especially within survey and sampling-based research, offering a targeted and purposeful approach to data collection.
Purposive Sampling: This chapter provides a detailed explanation of purposive sampling as a non-probability sampling method, particularly valuable for phenomenological research. It highlights its suitability for various qualitative research endeavors, emphasizing the researcher's role in selecting samples based on their judgment of what will best facilitate the investigation. The chapter also explains how purposive sampling allows for studying entire populations of limited groups or specific segments of larger populations, showcasing its efficiency in terms of resource investment while delivering effective results.
Purposive Sampling and Its Holistic Applicability: This chapter explores the applicability of purposive sampling in two specific challenging research scenarios. First, it addresses situations where populations are vast but access is limited, such as research in countries with strict media control, like the People's Republic of China. Second, it addresses scenarios where the target sample frequency is extremely low relative to the general population, exemplified by research on rare genetic diseases like Non-Paraneoplastic Limbic Encephalitis. The chapter argues that in these situations, purposive sampling, with its emphasis on targeted and intelligent data collection, is crucial for achieving optimal research results and avoiding issues related to theoretical saturation.
Keywords
Sampling, purposive sampling, qualitative research, non-probability sampling, research methodology, data collection, phenomenology, population studies, ethical considerations, theoretical saturation.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on Purposive Sampling
What is the main focus of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of purposive sampling as a research methodology. It covers its definition, application, advantages, limitations, and ethical considerations, illustrated with various research scenarios.
What topics are covered in the Table of Contents?
The Table of Contents includes an Introduction, a section on the general Approach to Sampling, a dedicated chapter on Purposive Sampling, and a final chapter discussing the Holistic Applicability of Purposive Sampling.
What are the key objectives and themes explored in the document?
The document aims to explain the necessity of purposive sampling, especially when dealing with large or inaccessible populations. Key themes include the challenges of sampling in research, the methodology of purposive sampling, its applications in different research areas, its advantages and limitations, and ethical considerations.
What are the challenges of sampling discussed in the document?
The document highlights the difficulties researchers face when dealing with large populations or inaccessible populations, giving examples such as studying AIDS victims in South Africa or trade union members in Greece during the 2011 financial crisis. It also addresses the complexities and potential terminological inconsistencies in qualitative research sampling methods.
How is purposive sampling defined and explained?
Purposive sampling is defined as a non-probability sampling method particularly valuable for phenomenological research. The researcher selects samples based on their judgment of what best facilitates the investigation. It's efficient for studying limited groups or specific segments of larger populations.
What are the advantages and limitations of purposive sampling?
Advantages include its efficiency in terms of resource investment and its ability to deliver effective results, especially when dealing with hard-to-reach populations or rare phenomena. Limitations are not explicitly listed but are implied through the discussion of ethical considerations and the challenges of ensuring theoretical saturation.
What are the ethical considerations related to purposive sampling?
Ethical considerations are mentioned as a key theme, although specific details are not explicitly provided in this preview. The implication is that researchers must adhere to ethical guidelines when selecting and interacting with participants.
In what research contexts is purposive sampling particularly useful?
The document highlights the usefulness of purposive sampling in situations with vast but limited-access populations (e.g., research in countries with strict media control) and when the target sample frequency is extremely low relative to the general population (e.g., research on rare genetic diseases).
What are the chapter summaries included in the document?
Each chapter summary briefly outlines the key concepts and arguments presented in each section of the document, starting with an introduction to sampling and ending with a discussion on the broad applicability of purposive sampling.
What are the keywords associated with this document?
The keywords include: Sampling, purposive sampling, qualitative research, non-probability sampling, research methodology, data collection, phenomenology, population studies, ethical considerations, and theoretical saturation.
- Quote paper
- Arghya Ray (Author), 2012, The Methodoloy of Sampling and Purposive Sampling, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/189529
