The completion of data collection and the resulting subject size may be the result of data saturation. After enough data have been collected to determine themes or categories, the researcher may decide that if the next few participants' experiences are captured by the existing themes or categories, the phenomenon of study is saturated or complete. This means that the researcher's construct represents the phenomenon of study, and no further data collection is necessary. In conclusion, qualitative researchers perform sampling with a purpose. It is incumbent on the researcher to describe the sample in regards to gender, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic class, and any other relevant criteria so research consumers can understand how and why this sample was chosen.
Many strategies influence sample size and selection.
The researcher must document the decision-making process involved in qualitative sampling to provide credibility for the research findings. Next month's column will address evaluating the credibility of qualitative research.