SAMPLING FRAMEWORK FOR PERSONAL INTERVIEWS IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Abstract

Today qualitative sampling is based on judgement of individual researchers unlike quantitative
research which uses time tested statistical models to arrive at appropriate sample size. To
compound the problem, various disciplines under qualitative research recommend sample sizes
based on opinions of ‘gurus’ or experts. Consequently, Qualitative researchers find it challenging
to justify validity and reliability of their findings. The paper is based on extensive review and
analysis of methodologies used to arrive at appropriate sample size. This paper attempts to provide
a framework by aggregating several sampling approaches. As a result, the issue of sample size,
which till now was judgmental or opinion based, becomes more scientific. By leveraging several
approaches, qualitative researchers are in a stronger footing when it comes to justifying sample
size and research findings.