A topic in research methodology
Theoretical sampling is a technique used in grounded theory methodology.
“Theoretical sampling: Sampling on the basis of emerging concepts, with the aim being to explore the dimensional range or varied conditions along which the properties of concepts vary”.
Strauss & Corbin, 1998, p.73
(See also ‘Purposive sampling’).
Theoretical sampling is a key concept in grounded theory studies, which involve cycles of data collection and analysis.
“Theoretical sampling: GT studies have an emergent design, in that the collection of data leads to hunches and hypotheses that inform what data should be collected next…This is clearly antithetical to experimental research where the procedures for data collection and analysis need to be established at the outset.”
Taber, 2013: 102
As the name suggests, grounded theory studies seek to build theory by analysing data, and adopt an iterative process, where analysis of data leads further data collection, which support further analysis. (This is how science proceeds more generally across studies: a dialectic process with theory informing empirical work, and observations form empirical work informing the development of theory.)
“Theoretical sampling is the process of data collection for generating theory whereby the analyst jointly collects, codes and analyses the data and decides what data to collect next and where to find them, in order to develop the theory as it emerges”.
Glaser & Holton, 2004, ¶51
The data collection – analysis cycle both supports the generation of hypotheses and the testing of inferences (by the 'constant comparison' method)
“Experience with data generates insights, hypotheses, and generative questions that are pursued through further data generation. As tentative answers to questions are developed and concepts are constructed, these constructions are verified through further data collection.” (Schwandt, 2001, p.110)
The researcher has to be open to the limitations in the on-going analysis:
“By identifying emerging gaps in the theory, the analyst will be guided as to next sources of data”
Glaser & Holton, 2004, ¶51
Sources cited:
- Glaser, Barney G. & Holton, Judith (2004) Remodeling Grounded Theory, Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 5(2), Article 4,
- Schwandt, T. A. (2001) Dictionary of Qualitative Inquiry (2nd edition), Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications.
- Strauss, Anselm & Corbin, Juliet (1998) Basics of Qualitative Research: Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory, Thousand Oaks,California: SAGE Publications.
- Taber, K. S. (2013). Classroom-based Research and Evidence-based Practice: An introduction (2nd ed.). London: Sage.
My introduction to educational research:
Taber, K. S. (2013). Classroom-based Research and Evidence-based Practice: An introduction (2nd ed.). London: Sage.
