This document discusses different sampling methods for research. It describes convenience sampling, purposive sampling, and theoretical sampling as the three broad approaches. Purposive sampling is explained in more detail, outlining specific types like maximum variation sampling, outliers, critical case sampling, key informant sampling, snowball sampling, and confirming/disconfirming sampling. Theoretical sampling is defined as selecting cases to represent theoretical constructs and is used to develop theory connected to real-life events.

1. SAMPLING FOR
RESEARCH
Nithya M.K
M.ed 1st Year, NSS Training College, Ottapalam

2. Sample Any part of a population of individuals on whom information is
obtained: students, teachers, young learners, etc.
Sampling The process of selecting these individuals

3.  It depends: The size that adequately answers the research question
 For single questions or detailed studies: single figure
 For complex questions: larger samples

4. THREE BROAD APPROACHES
 Convenience sampling
 Purposive sampling
 Theoretical sampling

5.  Selecting the most accessible subjects
 The least costy to the researcher
 May result in poor quality data and lacks intellectual credibility
 Why/When? Try to avoid; the least desirable method

7. A purposive sample is a non-probability sample that is
selected based on characteristics of a population and the
objective of the study.

8. Maximum variation sample Broad range of subjects
Why/When? To understand how a phenomenon is seen
and understood among different people, in different
settings and at different times

9. Outliers (extreme cases) Deviant sample to understand
some unusual phenomenon
Why/When? To develop a richer, more in-depth
understanding of a phenomenon and to lend credibility to
one's research account

10. Critical case sample (selecting a small number of
important cases) subjects who have specific experiences
Why/When? When funds are limited.

11. Key informant sample Subjects who have special
expertise
Why/When? To provide in depth information and
knowledge of a phenomenon of interest.

12. Snowball sample Asking the subjects (e.g key informant)
to recommend other useful subjects for the study.
Why/When? When you feel you need more data to
answer your research question.

13. Confirming/Disconfirming sample Generally done during
interpretation of the data; asking subjects who support
emerging explanation and who disagree
 Why/When? To get additional examples that lend further
support, richness and depth to patterns emerging from
data analysis (confirming cases)
 To get examples that do not fit emergent patterns and
allow the research team to evaluate rival explanations
(disconfirming cases). This can help the research team
understand and define the limitations of research findings

15.  The process of selecting a case for its
potential representation of an important
theoretical construct (i.e., incidents, slices
of life, time periods, or people)
 Why/when? When the research focuses
on theory and concept development and
the research team's goal is to develop
theory and concepts that are connected to
real life events and circumstances.