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Focus on Qualitative Method
Sample size in qualitative research
Article first published online: 19 JAN 2007
DOI: 10.1002/nur.4770180211
Copyright © 1995 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., A Wiley Company
1098-240X/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=c6adb5443bfefbf643dbba4222f53ddea2f1bf15 "Research in Nursing & Health")
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How to Cite
Sandelowski, M. (1995), Sample size in qualitative research. Res. Nurs. Health, 18: 179–183. doi: 10.1002/nur.4770180211
Publication History
- Issue published online: 19 JAN 2007
- Article first published online: 19 JAN 2007
- Manuscript Revised: 28 NOV 1994
- Manuscript Accepted: 28 NOV 1994
- Manuscript Received: 7 SEP 1994
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Abstract
A common misconception about sampling in qualitative research is that numbers are unimportant in ensuring the adequacy of a sampling strategy. Yet, simple sizes may be too small to support claims of having achieved either informational redundancy or theoretical saturation, or too large to permit the deep, case-oriented analysis that is the raison-d'etre of qualitative inquiry. Determining adequate sample size in qualitative research is ultimately a matter of judgment and experience in evaluating the quality of the information collected against the uses to which it will be put, the particular research method and purposeful sampling strategy employed, and the research product intended. ©1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.