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Purposive Sampling

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Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being Research

Synonyms

Non-probability sampling; Theoretical sampling

Definition

Purposive sampling is intentional selection of informants based on their ability to elucidate a specific theme, concept, or phenomenon.

Description

As utilized in qualitative and mixed methods research, purposive sampling involves an iterative process of selecting research subjects rather than starting with a predetermined sampling frame. Akin to grounded theory, the selection process involves identifying themes, concepts, and indicators through observation and reflection (Schutt, 2006: 348). Schutt places particular emphasis on the importance of each sampling element occupying a unique position relative to the research endeavor (2006: 155). Along these lines, researchers often utilize a purposeful sampling technique to select informants based on their particular knowledge of, and/or experience with, the focus of empirical inquiry.

Purposive sampling is a sampling design that is not intended to offer a representative...

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References

  • Glaser, B. G., & Strauss, A. L. (1967). The discovery of grounded theory. Chicago: Aldine.

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  • Rubin, H. J., & Rubin, I. (1995). Qualitative interviewing: The art of hearing data. Thousand Oaks: Sage.

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  • Schutt, R. K. (2006). Investigating the social world: The process and practice of research (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks: Sage.

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  • Shaw, E. (1999). A guide to the qualitative research process. Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal, 2(2), 59–70.

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  • Teddlie, C., & Yu, F. (2007). Mixed method sampling: A typology with examples. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 1(7), 77–100.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Justice and Social Inquiry, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA

    Rebecca S. Robinson

Authors
  1. Rebecca S. Robinson
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rebecca S. Robinson .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada

    Alex C. Michalos

  2. (residence), Brandon, MB, Canada

    Alex C. Michalos

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© 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

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Robinson, R.S. (2014). Purposive Sampling. In: Michalos, A.C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being Research. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0753-5_2337

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0753-5_2337

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-007-0752-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-007-0753-5

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