Sampling Size

Sampling Strategy and Sample Size for a Qualitative Research Plan

A grounded theory perspective on the victimization of women and human trafficking

The formulas for determining appropriate sampling sizes for quantitative research studies are fairly formalized, given the need to make generalizations about the macro-level population based upon the findings of these experimental or quasi-experimental studies. However, the purpose of qualitative studies is to come to conclusions based upon the researcher's inductive findings regarding a specific group of people. For an ethnographic study, the 'sample size' of the population might constitute a very small tribe. A narrative qualitative study might involve discussing the findings of studying a small class of children. The purpose of qualitative studies is to let the experiences of individuals speak for themselves, whether this takes the form of a case study, a narrative of a specific handful of participants, or simply 'making meaning' from...
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